CCTV:

The mid-term assessment report on the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan mentioned that, as we are halfway through the 14th Five-Year period, more than half of the tasks have been accomplished. How do you interpret this? What further measures will be taken to accomplish the objectives and tasks, especially concerning innovation-driven development, as well as self-reliance and strength in science and technology? Thank you.

Liu Sushe:

Thank you! The 14th Five-Year Plan is the first Five-Year Plan since we finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, achieved the first centenary goal, and embarked on a new journey toward the second centenary goal of fully building a modern socialist country. In line with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the NDRC, in collaboration with relevant parties, conducted a mid-term assessment of the implementation of the Outline for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). In December 2023, the Seventh Session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee reviewed the mid-term assessment report on the implementation of the Outline for the 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035.

In terms of major objectives and indicators, during the first half of the 14th Five-Year Period, major economic indicators have remained within an appropriate range. Notable progress has been made in innovation-driven development; the people's well-being has increasingly improved; remarkable progress has been achieved in green development; and the capacity for safeguarding security has been significantly enhanced. Sixteen out of 20 major indicators either have basically met or exceeded expectations.

Regarding major strategic tasks, major strategic tasks in 17 aspects have proceeded smoothly. Significant progress has been made in building our self-reliance and strength in science and technology; the development of the modern industrial system has accelerated; rural revitalization has gotten off to a good start; solid gains have been made in advancing coordinated regional development; the development of ecological civilization has gained greater momentum; and the capacity for safeguarding national economic security has been continuously enhanced.

In terms of major projects and programs, the NDRC, in collaboration with relevant departments, has adhered to the principles that projects should align with plans and that investment funds and other production factors should be allocated accordingly. Efforts have been strengthened in dispatch and monitoring, and the support of production factors has been increased. Of the 102 major projects and programs currently underway, 96 have progressed as expected, and six have basically met expectations, strongly supporting the implementation of tasks in relevant fields.

Taking all these factors into account, the implementation of the Outline for the 14th Five-Year Plan has generally achieved the milestone that "as half of the 14th Five-Year period has passed, half of the tasks have been accomplished." This has been achieved despite difficulties, including the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated changes in the international landscape, and various risks and challenges. This achievement was not easily attained, and it is important to fully recognize its value.

With regard to the innovation-driven development you just mentioned, allow me to provide a brief introduction. Notable progress has been made since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan. The number of new types of R&D institutions has surpassed 2,400. China has maintained its second position in terms of the number of most cited papers. Enterprises' spending on R&D has accounted for over 70% of total R&D spending. Moving forward, we will ensure that innovation remains at the heart of China's modernization drive and will take solid steps to work on four key aspects. First, we will leverage the new system's advantages for mobilizing nationwide resources and making breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. Second, we will make basic research more forward-looking, strategic, and systematic and increase funding support. Third, we will promote the application of scientific and technological advances and reinforce the principal role of enterprises in innovation. Fourth, we will improve the training mechanism, employ researchers, and develop policies to attract innovators with international competitiveness.

Next, the NDRC will resolutely implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We are firmly committed to grasping the essence of Chinese modernization and its essential requirements, advancing high-quality development, pursuing both development and security, and placing a higher priority on ensuring stable growth. The NDRC will endeavor to unleash the potential of domestic demand, enhance innovation capacity, foster new growth drivers, and work hard to deepen reforms and open up further. We aim to stablize public expectations and enhance people's confidence in development. The NDRC will tirelessly work on implementing all the objectives and tasks of the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) to provide strong support for setting the stage for building a modern socialist country in all respects. Thank you.