For instance, the first Five-Year Plan emphasized heavy industry and industrialization; the seventh Five-Year Plan (1986-1990) aimed to resolve basic subsistence needs; the ninth Five-Year Plan (1996-2000) charted a course toward moderate prosperity; and the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) emphasized the comprehensive achievement of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

　　The 14th Five-Year Plan, launched after China achieved the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, focused on high-quality development. Breaking from tradition, it did not set an explicit GDP growth target but instead prioritized green transition, technological self-reliance, common prosperity, balanced regional development, as well as deeper reform and high-standard opening up.

　　“The early five-year plans primarily focused on economic development, but over time, social welfare, technological innovation and environmental protection were incorporated,“ said Yan Yilong, deputy dean of the Institute for Contemporary China Studies of Tsinghua University.

　　“Today, the five-year plan encompasses a comprehensive range of areas, covering economy, society, technology, ecology and culture, reflecting a holistic approach to development,“ he said.

　　This photo shows a prototype of CR450 bullet train undergoing tests in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

　　WHY DO FIVE-YEAR PLANS WORK IN CHINA?

　　Featuring continuity, forward-looking strategic planning and effective implementation, the five-year plans have played an important role in transforming the nation from an agrarian backwater into a global industrial powerhouse.