The Chinese government’s recently adopted plan prioritizes sectors like robotics and biotechnology as part of China’s efforts to strengthen its technological capabilities, according to DPA. These five-year strategies represent the most significant economic programs of the Chinese government, detailing specific industries to be supported and outlining national goals for the coming period. The plan anticipates a seven percent annual increase in research and development investment, aiming to elevate digital economy participation in GDP to 12.5 percent by 2030, up from the current 10.5 percent.
Strategic technologies highlighted include nuclear fusion, quantum technologies, space travel, and computer interfaces that directly transmit signals from the brain to machines or computers. Alongside these ambitions are goals to bolster personal consumption and improve living standards, responding to challenges like an aging population and declining domestic demand. Beijing has long sought to reduce its reliance on foreign technologies, partly due to export restrictions imposed by the United States.
Competition exists between the two nations in rapidly expanding sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The Chinese National People’s Congress, the nation’s parliament, convened annually in Beijing, comprised of approximately 2,800 delegates selected through non-competitive elections and whose decisions were pre-arranged by the Communist Party. The Congress adopted several government reports and laws, including the “Law on Promoting Ethical Unity and Progress,” designating Mandarin as the official language in schools and requiring parents to educate their children in it.
Other decisions altered customs, such as eliminating marriage permit requirements based on religious beliefs. Human rights organizations express concern this could further restrict minority rights in China. Maya Wang, a Human Rights Watch Asia director, stated the law creates a framework for oppression and forced assimilation.
Critics point to provisions targeting individuals and organizations abroad for activities undermining national unity and causing ethnic divisions. China recognizes 56 ethnic groups, with the Han people comprising nearly 90 percent of the population.
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