China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026–2030) was passed at the close of the 14th National People’s Congress fourth session on March 12, and the full text was released by Xinhua on March 13. The document elevates “AI+” and semiconductor self‑reliance as national priorities and calls for full‑chain breakthroughs in key technologies, signaling a stronger policy push for strategic tech capacity.
Policy signal: AI+ and chips as core priorities
The plan frames AI and semiconductors as national strategic pillars, building on the broader China AI ecosystem momentum and putting industrial policy behind long‑term capability building.
Market context in numbers
A CAICT report says China’s AI core industry exceeded RMB 900 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass RMB 1.2 trillion in 2025. WSTS estimates the global semiconductor market will reach about $795.6 billion in 2025, up 26.2% year‑on‑year—highlighting the competitive backdrop behind the policy push.
Future industries named
The plan also names embodied intelligence, quantum tech, brain‑computer interfaces and 6G as future industries to cultivate, signaling a shift from broad encouragement to explicit priority lanes.
What to watch next
Execution will hinge on local implementation plans, funding allocations and project pipelines. Early signals like the 2026 home‑appliance and smart‑device consumption season show how national plans can translate into industry programs.
