China's 15th Five-Year Plan: AI to Expand Beyond Manufacturing to Services
China's new five-year plan calls for AI to be spread into sectors beyond manufacturing, such as services. Beijing is already developing industry-specific AI models and deployment plans for future rollout.
In March 2026, China released a new five-year plan calling for AI to be spread into sectors beyond manufacturing, such as services.
Comprehensive AI Rollout
According to the new five-year plan, Beijing is already developing industry-specific AI models and deployment plans for future rollout. This marks the expansion of China's AI strategy from manufacturing to broader economic sectors.
Key Focus Areas
Key technology areas for development in the five-year plan include:
Quantum technology
Embodied AI
Brain-computer interfaces
Hydrogen energy
Nuclear fusion
6G mobile communications
Quantum technology
Embodied AI
Brain-computer interfaces
Hydrogen energy
Nuclear fusion
6G mobile communications
Economic Growth Target
China has set a 2026 growth target of 4.5% to 5%, the weakest in decades. But this is not an admission of retreat; it's a choice to accept slower expansion in return for stronger development quality.
Employment Impact
The Chinese government hopes to add jobs and rejuvenate the economy through society-wide AI promotion. AI is seen not only as a technology upgrade tool but also as a new engine for economic growth.
Reference: Reuters, People's Daily