China's 15th five-year plan, sustainable development goals and cooperation with Malaysia

CHINA'S 15th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for 2026-2030, which is being drafted, aims to promote high-quality growth, technological self-reliance, green development, and increase domestic demand amid a complex global environment, innovate in AI/re-conductors, achieve carbon goals, and manage national security risks to build social well-being, resilience, and secure its future. There are four key areas prioritised in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (FYP) that are primarily aimed at bringing prosperity to China but are also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

First, Technological Reliance & Innovation, which prioritises AI, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and creating an innovation base to reduce dependence on foreign technology. It also involves New Quality Productive Forces (NQPFs), a central theme focused on shifting from quantitative growth to "high-quality development." This emphasises innovation-driven growth rather than sheer industrial expansion. This priority is in line with SDG 9, which is to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards, focusing on reliable infrastructure, technological advancement, and universal access to information and financial markets.