China advances industrial system modernization with digital intelligence technologies: CPPCC member

China is advancing the modernization of the industrial system with digital and intelligent technologies to promote high-quality economic development, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said in a group interview in Beijing on Wednesday.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), China has established the world's largest 5G network and gigabit optical fiber infrastructure, with more than 60 percent of global 5G base stations, said Yang Jie, the CPPCC member and former chairman of China Mobile, one of China's three major telecom operators.

The country's integrated computing power network has been accelerating during the period, forming a new type of information infrastructure that combines network, computing and data, he said.

Noting that major breakthroughs have been made in research and development of core technologies, Yang said China's industrial and supply chains have became more self-supporting and related risks were better controlled, highlighting the significant progress the country has made in the integration of digital and real economies during the period.

Digital intelligence technologies have empowered a wide range of industries and benefited households across the country, he said.

Looking ahead, China aims to elevate its modern industrial system to a higher level in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), said Yang, outlining five key areas and detailed the various measures taken within those.

"First, we will build an intelligent and integrated information infrastructure, and promote its evolution and upgrading towards the integration of land, sea, air and space, thereby establishing a solid and secure digital foundation for the modernization of industrial system. Second, we will strengthen strategic emerging industries and future industries, continuously fostering new sectors, new business forms and models. Third, we will deepen the empowerment of traditional industries by digital intelligence technologies and promote the continuous evolution and upgrading of industries towards high-end, green, and intelligent development," said Yang.

"Fourth, we will push for solid progress in the 'AI+' initiative, vigorously develop silicon-based workforce and productivity such as intelligent agents and embodied intelligence, creating new employment opportunities and talent dividends across various sectors. Fifth, we will promote the in-depth integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, facilitate the transition of scientific achievements from research to market, and in the meantime attract top global talents and capital to drive high-quality economic development," he said.

A number of CPPCC National Committee members attended the group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China.

The "two sessions" is a major event in China's political calendar. It refers to the annual meetings of the NPC, the country's highest organ of state power, and the CPPCC, the top political advisory body.

The meetings have gathered thousands of national lawmakers and political advisors from across the country to the Chinese capital.

China advances industrial system modernization with digital intelligence technologies: CPPCC member

As China's national lawmakers and political advisors are gathering in Beijing for the annual meetings, foreign observers say that the meetings will not only set the course for China's future development, but also contribute to global economic growth.

The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, opened on Wednesday, while the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's supreme organ of state power, is scheduled for Thursday.

These meetings serve both as a review of past achievements and as a strategic compass guiding the nation's future development, as China embarks on the inaugural year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period.

Marina Ragus, deputy speaker of Serbia's National Assembly, said that the meetings are important not only for China, but also for countries such as Serbia, which participates in the Belt and Road Initiative and is a part of a community of shared future with China.

"This is the first year of the 15th in a row five-year plan. What will be the significance of this is the kind of a road-map for China internally, but also globally. Not only that, if the main focal point of this five-year plan is quality, innovation, science, technology, that is kind of engine for the world's economy. We are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are part the community of shared future with China. So, for us as well, 'two sessions' are the most important event for a future to come," said Ragus.

Marcos Cordeiro Pires, a professor on the international political economy at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil, said that the 15th Five-year Plan is set to have far-reaching effects on the global economy.

"I would like to highlight two points [in the 15th Five-year Plan] that are of great importance for Brazil and other countries. The first is the priority placed on the green transition. The second concerns openness in global trade. China has become a new safe harbor at a time when some countries are adopting protectionist policies that hinder the integration of the world economy," said Pires.

As China's push for high-quality development is progressing steadily, international observers expect a stable and growing Chinese economy to inject more momentum and opportunities into the world economy.

Foreign observers say China's two sessions carry global significance