Yin Hejun, minister of Science and Technology, said on Thursday that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) is a critical stage for China to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and to build itself into a global sci-tech powerhouse.

Yin made the remarks at the Ministers' Corridor of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People.

He outlined four priorities for the next five years.

First, strengthen high-quality sci-tech supply. China will launch a number of major national science and technology projects, focusing on breakthroughs in integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, quantum technology, brain-computer interfaces and fusion energy, to provide stronger support for industrial development.

Second, enhance the leading role of enterprises in innovation. The country will foster more tech-leading enterprises, channel more innovation resources to businesses, and support enterprises in leading industry-university-research collaboration and innovation consortia. Pre-tax additional deductions for R&D expenses will be further increased to encourage corporate investment in innovation.

Third, promote efficient transfer and application of sci-tech achievements. Reforms will be deepened to commercialize research results. China will build proof-of-concept and pilot-testing platforms, expand application scenarios for new technologies, and guide capital to invest in early-stage, small, long-term and hard-tech projects.

Fourth, support local pilot programs. Cross-regional cooperation and urban cluster coordination will be encouraged, and localities will be supported to develop new quality productive forces based on local conditions.

Yin also announced that China's scientific and technological development has reached a new level, with its global innovation ranking rising to 10th place.

In 2025, China's total R&D investment exceeded 3.92 trillion yuan (around $568 billion), with an R&D intensity of 2.8%. Basic research funding reached nearly 280 billion yuan, accounting for 7.08% of total R&D spending, a record high and the first time exceeding 7%.

He noted that China has seen rapid progress in sci-tech innovation, including advanced humanoid robots, world-leading open-source large models, new breakthroughs in chip research, and fast-growing innovative drugs. A total of 76 innovative drugs were approved in 2025, and overseas licensing transactions exceeded $130 billion.

Science and technology innovation has empowered all sectors and significantly improved people's quality of life, Yin said.