China's 15th Five-Year Plan Passed: AI and Quantum at Center of National Strategy

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) was unveiled at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. The plan mentions AI more than 50 times and introduces a sweeping 'AI+ action plan' integrating artificial intelligence across manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and national defence. It sets targets for scalable quantum computers, an integrated space-earth quantum communication network, and pledges at least 7% average annual growth in nationwide R&D spending. The plan explicitly names quantum technology, 6G, embodied AI, and brain-computer interfaces as strategic future industries, reflecting Beijing's shift from catching up with the US to seeking outright technological leadership.