From the 14th to the 15th Five-Year Plan: How China’s Approach to Foreign Direct Investment Is Changing
As China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), understanding the direction of policy requires more than reading the new document in isolation. By comparing the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans, clear changes emerge in how China approaches foreign direct investment. While openness remains, greater attention is now placed on how foreign investment supports industrial upgrading, technology development, and long-term economic priorities. This article outlines what has changed—and what foreign investors should consider when planning their China strategy for the next planning cycle.