DESIGNING THE FUTURE
China's Five-Year Plans Since 1953

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China's Five-Year Plan (FYP) is one of the country's most importantpolicy blueprints. Drawn up since 1953, it sets medium-term goals for China's social and economic development and is the barometer against which progress is measured.

2020 is the last year of the 13th Five-Year Plan, which was adopted on March 15, 2016. The 14th plan (2021–2025) is currently being developed.

This table shows the outlines of each of China's FYPs*. The length of the 1st FYP (1953-1957), which served as the foundation for future plans, is longer than the rest. Its total word count is 80,295.

By comparison, the number of policies drops for several years after 1953 but starts to climb consistently in 2006.

*The second to sixth FYPs are not listed, as they are not available.

Economic development has been the priority of each FYP

Here we delineate the primary objectives of the FYPs from 1953 to date.

The primary objectives include economic reform and industrial restructuring.

Starting from the 7th FYP (1986–1990), every FYP projected an average annual GDP growth rate for the period. It became an important indicator measuring the national economy for the next five years. However, China announced on May 22 that there would be no specific target set for its economic growth in 2020 because it is facing some unpredictable factors in its development as well as high uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic and trade environment.

In terms of contribution to the GDP, the secondary sector maintained a bigger share with a dwindling primary sector and a growing tertiary sector.

Manufacturing is the foundation of China's economic boom

Here we highlight all the texts related to the industrial sector.

The related content accounts for nearly half of the 1st FYP.

As China diversifies its approach to national development, the number of policies directly related to the industrial sector has fallen.

Industry

Here are the titles of the chapters or sections on industry.

During the 1st FYP, China focused on developing its heavy industry.

The annual value added of the industrial sector declined at the end of the 2nd FYP (1958–1962) but rallied during the three-year period of adjustment that followed. It dipped to 49.7 billion yuan in the 3rd FYP (1966–1970) but has remained above 80 billion yuan since the 1970s.

China's industry growth rate was in a downward trend when the government unveiled "Made in China 2025," a 10-year national strategy put in the 13th FYP (2016–2020) to upgrade the country's manufacturing sector.

Agriculture remains vital to China's national economy

China is the world's largest agricultural producer, producing a fourth of the world's grains.

Content related to agriculture is highlighted. Most FYPs make fewer references to agriculture than industry.

Industry

Agriculture

Here are the titles of the chapters or sections

Agriculture remains a vital sector in the national economy, though its average growth rate has typically been lower than that of industry.

Plans for rural development appear in the second part of the 11th FYP (2006–2010), called "Construction of New Socialist Villages." In the subsequent FYPs, rural development plans make up a whole chapter listed at the top of the document.