# China science and technology strategy 2026–2030

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-technological-and-scientific-development-strategy
> Updated: 2026-10-18T10:04:07.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 6.

China has expanded its strategic framework for the 2026–2030 period, specifically through the 15th Five-Year Plan, to advance its technological and scientific capabilities. Building on previous goals for electronic information manufacturing, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued a specific plan for the information and communication industry. This strategy targets an industry revenue of RMB 4.1 trillion and a 95% penetration rate for 5G and 5G-Advanced users by 2030. Development will focus on next-generation infrastructure, including 6G base stations, satellite-terrestrial integration, and high-speed 50G-PON fiber access. Additionally, the digital economy is projected to see core industries reaching 12.5% of GDP by 2030. On the scientific front, the Ministry of Science and Technology is prioritizing basic research in mathematical theory, synthetic biology, controlled nuclear fusion, and intelligent scientist systems. These efforts complement existing priorities in integrated circuits, quantum technology, biotechnology, and brain-computer interfaces. A central theme remains the accelerated application of artificial intelligence in scientific research to drive innovation across these disciplines. To support these objectives, China is positioning itself as a global scientific superpower by significantly increasing research and development (R&D) investments. President Xi Jinping has called on regional governments, universities, and research institutes to prioritize fundamental scientific research. The country aims to increase total R&D expenditures, through both public and private funding, by an average of 7% annually through 2030. Furthering this modernization, the National Railway Administration (NRA) has released a scientific and technological innovation plan for the railway sector for 2026–2030. The NRA aims to establish approximately 30 new innovation bases and achieve decisive progress in at least 100 fundamental technologies. Key targets include operating high-speed trains at 400 km/h and researching magnetic levitation (maglev) technology capable of 600 km/h.

## Claims

- The NRA published a scientific and technological innovation plan for the railway sector for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- China aims to establish a scientific and technological innovation system to guide railway modernization by 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The plan targets the construction of approximately 30 new scientific and technological innovation bases for the railway industry between 2026 and 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- China intends to achieve decisive progress in at least 100 key fundamental technologies and obtain no fewer than 500 significant scientific and technological results by 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The plan includes at least 20 demonstration projects, such as high-speed train operating systems at 400 km/h. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Research will continue on 600 km/h high-speed magnetic levitation train technology. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The official 12306 ticketing platform will be upgraded to a smart service system covering entire journeys and integrated intermodal solutions. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: China announces railway innovation plan amid record passenger numbers

China has unveiled a 2026-2030 railway innovation plan focusing on maglev and AI, following record passenger volumes of 3.71 billion trips in the first three quarters of 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-announces-railway-innovation-plan-amid-record-passenger-numbers

### 2026-10-14: China unveils railway sci-tech innovation plan for 2026-2030

China's National Railway Administration has unveiled a 2026-2030 innovation plan to modernize its rail network, targeting maglev technology, 400 km/h high-speed trains, and smart digital services.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-unveils-railway-technological-innovation-plan-for-2026-2030

### 2026-10-14: China targets global scientific leadership with increased R&D investment

China aims to become a global scientific leader by increasing R&D investment by 7% annually through 2030, focusing on AI, quantum technology, and nuclear fusion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-targets-global-scientific-leadership-with-increased-rd-investment

### 2026-10-02: China outlines science and technology priorities for 2026-2030

China has unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan priorities for 2026–2030, focusing on AI, quantum tech, and advanced 5G/6G communications infrastructure to drive high-quality development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-outlines-science-and-technology-priorities-for-2026-2030

### 2026-09-28: China outlines 2026-2030 science and technology development plan

China has unveiled a 2026-2030 science and technology plan prioritizing AI, quantum tech, and semiconductors, alongside a new 15-year funding program for elite young researchers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-outlines-2026-2030-science-and-technology-development-plan

### 2026-09-21: China targets 30 trillion yuan in electronics revenue by 2030

China has announced a 2026-2030 plan to reach 30 trillion yuan in electronics revenue, driving a push for semiconductor and AI independence amid a widening global techno-economic divide.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-targets-30-trillion-yuan-in-electronics-revenue-by-2030

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Cite as: China science and technology strategy 2026–2030. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-technological-and-scientific-development-strategy
