Scientific planning, people-first: British expert hails China's systemic edge

Keith Bennett, vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club and co-editor of Friends of Socialist China, has spoken highly of China's ability to formulate scientific long-term plans and its people-centered planning process for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Bennett made the remarks during an interview with CGTN at the International Forum of the Overseas Studies on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which was held in Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday.

"I think one of the striking features [of the recommendations for the 15th FYP], as President Xi Jinping explained at the fourth plenary session [of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China], is how those plans are formulated, where the ideas of literally millions of people are received, assessed and incorporated into the final plan that emerges," he said.

China's development is people-centered development "because it comes from the people and it answers the people's needs. Therefore, it has the people's support. Therefore it can be achieved," Bennett said.