Chinese lawmakers on Thursday approved the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) for national economic and social development at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, setting a comprehensive framework for China's development over the next five years.

The plan outlines key targets across economic growth, innovation, people's livelihoods, ecological protection and security.

China aims to maintain GDP growth within an appropriate range, raise the urbanization rate to around 71%, and ensure labor productivity grows faster than GDP.

Innovation remains a priority, with R&D spending expected to grow by over 7% annually and the number of high-value patents per 10,000 people exceeding 22 by 2030.

The plan also sets goals to improve public services and quality of life, including increasing average life expectancy to about 80 years, expanding healthcare resources and education levels, while advancing green development by raising the share of non-fossil energy to around 25% and further reducing carbon intensity.