Experts Praise China’s New Five-Year Plan for Science and Innovation
BEIJING — November 12, 2025 — Global science and technology leaders have praised China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) for placing innovation, research, and technological ethics at the core of its national development strategy. Experts said the plan underscores China’s growing role as a leader in responsible AI, data sharing, and open scientific cooperation.
The plan, currently being drafted, aims to accelerate research breakthroughs and international partnerships across sectors such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, quantum computing, and sustainable development.
China’s Vision for Global Technological Leadership
“China is putting together its next Five-Year Plan, and that plan is really good because it focuses on science and technology, the future drivers of national progress,” said Professor Mohammad Obaidat of Monmouth University and the University of Jordan.
Obaidat, a life fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), highlighted China’s rapid transformation from an industrial nation into a technology powerhouse within two decades. He noted that the country now leads globally in areas including nanotechnology, quantum science, and green energy solutions.
Balancing Innovation with Ethical Responsibility
Obaidat also emphasized that technology is a “double-edged sword,” urging governments to promote positive uses while penalizing misuse. He commended China’s recent proposals for global ethical frameworks and data governance standards, which aim to guide the safe development of next-generation technologies.
“China has proposed guidelines and standards and is leading efforts in this domain,” he said. “We need global dialogue to ensure that every country abides by these principles.”
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Collaboration Across Asia and the Global South
Manzoor Hussain Soomro, vice-president of the Belt and Road International Science Education Consortium, said China’s plan could reshape investment in global research and development.
“China has emerged as a global leader,” Soomro noted. “Unlike earlier powers that held technology for advantage, China supports open access and shared growth—a change that inspires developing nations.”
He added that the plan’s focus on AI governance and user responsibility aligns with global efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits society rather than deepening inequality.
Advancing AI Through Data Sharing and Collaboration
Professor Xu Xun from the University of Auckland highlighted the importance of balanced data collection in developing large language models, such as China’s DeepSeek, which has gained global attention.
Xu explained that both high-quality and imperfect data are crucial for reducing bias and improving model generalization, but many enterprises remain hesitant to share proprietary datasets due to intellectual property concerns.
He called for a stronger international framework that enables secure and ethical data collaboration among researchers and companies worldwide.
Building Global Standards for a Shared Future
Experts at the World Science and Technology Development Forum in Beijing agreed that China’s upcoming Five-Year Plan could drive a new era of global cooperation in research and innovation. They urged nations to prioritize transparency, data ethics, and sustainability in their science policies.
“Science has no boundaries,” Xu said. “Collaboration, not competition, must define the next decade of global innovation.”
Outlook for Global Science Diplomacy
The 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to serve as a blueprint for integrating AI, green energy, digital transformation, and education into a single cohesive strategy. Global observers predict that China’s leadership will continue to shape ethical standards and promote accessibility for developing economies.
As China strengthens ties with academic and industrial partners worldwide, experts see a clear message emerging: the next stage of human progress will be powered not just by innovation, but by shared responsibility.
