Why China has become a 'forward-looking nation'

On Oct. 23, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded successfully. The international community has closely monitored the session, recognizing the growing global significance of China's five-year planning framework.

- By He Yin (People's Daily) 09:01. November 03, 2025

Worldwide confidence remains high that China will continue to serve as both a stabilizing anchor and a growth engine for the global economy. Many anticipate new opportunities brought by Chinese modernization.

The CPC's practice of scientifically formulating and implementing five-year plans represents a cornerstone of its governance approach. These plans offer critical insight into China's modernization path for the international community.

"China is a country that always plans for the long term. It truly is a forward-looking nation," remarked former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, capturing the widespread admiration for China's governance wisdom, which combines medium-term planning with centurylong aspirations.

China's transformative development - a historic achievement reshaping human progress - stems significantly from its disciplined execution of five-year plans. These frameworks leverage the strengths of China's socialist system, enabling coordinated national implementation and policy continuity under a unified blueprint.