China's 20th CPC Central Committee 4th Plenum Closes

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded in Beijing on October 23, after four days of deliberations from October 20. The session reviewed and approved the "Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030)" (the "15th Five-Year Plan Proposal"), setting the stage for China's next phase of high-quality development amid global uncertainties.

The plenary session's communique, released shortly after the close, offered a resounding endorsement of the achievements under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), describing it as a "momentous and extraordinary period" in China's history. Despite complex international challenges and domestic demands for reform, development, and stability, the CPC Central Committee—led by General Secretary Xi Jinping—united the Party and the Chinese people to overcome obstacles and advance key strategies, including the new development philosophy and the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan. High-frequency themes in the document, such as high-quality development, science and technology, innovation, reform, and people's well-being, underscored a forward-looking agenda focused on Chinese-style modernization.

The communique outlined the primary objectives for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, emphasizing sustained progress while ensuring stability. It called for adherence to core Marxist principles and the full implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as guided by the 20th CPC National Congress. Key priorities include boosting domestic-international economic integration, enhancing governance efficiency, and fostering social harmony.

The session also stressed the need for unity across the nation to realize these goals, while promoting the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. It reiterated commitments to peaceful cross-Strait relations, advancing national reunification, and building a community with a shared future for mankind—extending China's vision to global cooperation.

This plenary marks a critical juncture: the successful wrap-up of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the strategic planning for the 15th, which will be pivotal in propelling China's comprehensive national rejuvenation

In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hailed the session's outcomes as a "top-level design and strategic blueprint" for the nation's future five years, with profound implications and inspirations for the Special Administrative Region (SAR). Speaking on October 24, Lee emphasized that Hong Kong would identify its competitive edges within the national development framework, proactively aligning with the "15th Five-Year Plan's Hong Kong and Macao Chapter" to seize major opportunities arising from China's growth.

"Hong Kong has played a vital role as a 'super-connector' linking the world and a 'super-value-adder' during the 14th Five-Year Plan," Lee stated, highlighting the city's integration into the national development agenda. The upcoming period aligns with the new stage of "One Country, Two Systems" practice and Hong Kong's accelerated transition from stability to prosperity ("from governance to thriving"). "The 15th Five-Year Plan is crucial for advancing Chinese-style modernization, strengthening the nation, and realizing ethnic revival," he added, underscoring its timeliness for the SAR.

Lee urged Hong Kong's communities to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th CPC Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session. By leveraging the strengths of "patriots administering Hong Kong," the city must fulfill its responsibilities, grasp opportunities, and make unique contributions to the national endeavor of building a strong, modern socialist country.

As a major economy contributing the most to global growth for a decade straight, China's plenary decisions are closely watched worldwide. The session signals a China that is more efficient in governance, stable in society, and vibrant in its economy—positioned confidently on the global stage. With ripple effects on trade, technology, and international relations, the "15th Five-Year Plan" blueprint promises to guide not only domestic progress but also collaborative efforts toward shared global prosperity.

A press conference on the plenary's guiding principles is scheduled for October 24, providing further insights into implementation strategies. As China strides toward its centennial goals, events like this reaffirm its commitment to reform, innovation, and unity.