China sets key development targets for 2026–2030 with focus on innovation and green growth

China has unveiled a set of major socio-economic development targets for the period 2026–2030 as part of the country’s new strategic planning cycle. The goals were presented in a government work report submitted to the National People's Congress of China for deliberation, reports Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to the document, the country intends to maintain gross domestic product growth within an appropriate range over the next five years. Annual growth rates will be determined based on prevailing economic conditions and policy priorities.

Authorities emphasise that sustained economic expansion will support the broader national objective of doubling China’s 2020 per capita GDP by 2035. Achieving this benchmark is expected to help the country reach the economic level associated with a moderately developed nation.

Innovation and environmental sustainability remain central pillars of the upcoming development cycle. The report outlines plans for nationwide spending on research and development to grow by at least 7 per cent annually between 2026 and 2030, reinforcing China’s shift toward innovation-driven growth.

Environmental targets are also included in the strategy. The government aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 17 per cent during the same five-year period, reflecting continued efforts to balance economic expansion with climate commitments.

The plan also highlights the role of digital transformation in the national economy. China expects the value added by core digital economy industries to account for 12.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. At the same time, the country intends to raise average life expectancy to around 80 years, reflecting improvements in healthcare and living standards.

To support the implementation of these objectives, the government has proposed 109 major projects across six strategic areas. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the development of advanced productive forces, strengthen innovation capacity and improve public welfare.