Editor's note: Liu Qiang is a research fellow at the Academy of Financial Research, School of Economics of Zhejiang University of China. Ma Xinxiao is deputy professor at Management College of Ocean University of China. The article reflects the authors' opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The year 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. Over the past five years, China has achieved new, groundbreaking progress, transformative changes, and historical accomplishments, establishing itself as the most stable, reliable, and positive force for world development. The annual value added of the manufacturing sector has consistently surpassed 30 trillion yuan. These achievements have been made against the backdrop of accelerating global changes and multiple challenges, demonstrating the remarkable resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy and laying a solid foundation for Chinese modernization.

Economic strength achieves historical leap

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China's total economic output has successively surpassed the thresholds of 110 trillion yuan, 120 trillion yuan, and 130 trillion yuan, respectively, and is projected to reach approximately 140 trillion yuan this year. For an economy of this scale to maintain medium-high growth while navigating internal and external risks and challenges is rare in economic history.

From manufacturing powerhouse to manufacturing leader

Manufacturing forms the bedrock of national strength. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the value added of China's manufacturing sector has exceeded 30 trillion yuan annually, maintaining its position as the world's largest for 15 consecutive years. The commercial operation of the homegrown C919 passenger jet, the construction and operation of large domestic cruise ships, and the commercial operation of fourth-generation nuclear power plants mark significant national achievements, signaling a leap from "Made in China" to "Intelligent Manufacturing in China".

Sci-tech innovation leads development of new quality productive forces

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China placed innovation at the core of its modernization drive, achieving improvements in both input and output. China has achieved several global firsts in fields like artificial intelligence and quantum technology, breaking into the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index for the first time. Accomplishments such as crewed spaceflight, lunar sample return, and the complete operational status of the Tiangong space station demonstrate the enhancement of the country's strategic scientific and technological strength.

Green development achievements capture global attention

Green is a defining feature of high-quality development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has broken away from the "treatment after pollution" path, exploring a new approach that synergizes economic growth with green transformation. A historical shift has occurred in the energy structure, with installed capacity of new energy generation surpassing that of coal power, establishing the world's largest clean power generation system. Now, one out of every three kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed in China comes from renewable sources. These achievements confirm that the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has gained a firm place in people's hearts. 

As the 14th Five-Year Plan period concludes successfully, China has delivered a report card of remarkable achievements. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), China possesses a more solid foundation, is anchored on high-quality development, and is united in purpose. With the unique advantages of the socialist system in mobilizing resources for major endeavors, a super-large market, and a complete industrial system, China is poised to achieve new successes on the road to building a modern socialist country and contribute even more to global peace and development.

(Cover via VCG)