The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened its fourth plenary session in Beijing from Monday to Thursday.

The meeting marked a momentous step in charting China's next stage of development by adopting recommendations for formulating its new five-year plan, which is a systematic policy roadmap that will shape key areas of growth. It also carries profound significance for the global community.

As a major country deeply integrated into the international system, China's future trajectory will inevitably influence dynamics far beyond its borders. Meanwhile, amid global turbulence, the world is increasingly turning to nations that can offer clear direction and stability.

Characterized by policy continuity and stability, the formulation and implementation of five-year plans have long been a cornerstone of the CPC's governance approach. First introduced in 1953, China has implemented 14 five-year plans. Through these plans, China has been turning goals into realities. They provide a structured pathway toward established objectives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and steady progress.

This approach reflects a commitment to medium- and long-term development priorities over short-term gains.

China is concluding its 14th Five-Year Plan on a high note and preparing the 15th, which will cover the years 2026 to 2030. The 15th Five-Year Plan carries particular weight, as this period marks a crucial phase in China's journey toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035.

At the fourth plenum, the CPC Central Committee set forth guiding principles and major objectives for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, emphasizing the development of new quality productive forces, a robust domestic market, and high-standard opening-up. These priorities are integral to China's pivotal transition toward high-quality development, ensuring continuity in the nation's modernization drive.

Drafting a five-year plan for the world's second-largest economy is no small task. China's five-year plans are developed over several years through a combination of top-level design and broad public participation. An online campaign held from May 20 to June 20 to gather public input for the 15th Five-Year Plan received more than 3.11 million suggestions.

The plenum has drawn global attention, with international media highlighting the far-reaching impact of China's five-year plans. A recent BBC story on how these plans have changed the world cited the sixth Five-Year Plan (1981-1985), the first implemented after China launched reform and opening-up at the third plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978. Since then, China has experienced decades of remarkable economic growth, profoundly reshaping the global economic landscape.

While some countries struggle with policy fluctuations or political gridlock, China continues to advance with visionary planning and decisive action, maintaining its position as a source of stability in today's uncertain world.

For decades, China's five-year plans have served as the primary instrument of its statecraft. The country's commitment to long-term development through scientific planning and consistent implementation has made a valuable contribution to global governance. As the 15th Five-Year Plan approaches, a more resilient, open and innovative China will continue to inject stability and opportunity into the world from a new starting point.