Editor's Note:

The 2025 Two Sessions, namely, the third session of the 14th National People's Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, are underway in Beijing. During this significant political event, more policies are anticipated to be proposed and deliberated. We review some of the nation's crucial policies over the past year regarding promoting high-quality development, especially in terms of deepening economic and social reforms, boosting sci-tech innovation, strengthening the green transition and expanding opening-up.

Further Deepening Comprehensive Reform

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held in July 2024. The overall objectives are to continue improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and modernize China's system and capacity for governance.

The reforms include streamlining administrative processes, promoting technological innovation, and fostering a more open economy. In supporting all-around innovation, the CPC will deepen comprehensive reform in education, structural sci-tech reform, and institutional reforms for talent development.

Revised Law to Boost Science Popularization

China's revised Science and Technology Popularization Law, which took effect on December 25, 2024, marks a significant update after 22 years, reflecting the growing role of science communication in fostering innovation and improving public understanding of science.

The revised law gives science popularization the same importance as technological innovation. It establishes a framework to integrate science communication with research advancements, ensuring scientific resources are easily understood by the general public. It also emphasizes the importance of building a professional and well-supported workforce for science communication.

National Natural Science Fund Regulations Updated

The revised Regulations on the National Natural Science Fund were approved in the State Council executive meeting in October 2024 and took effect on January 1, 2025. The original regulations were released 17 years ago.

The updated regulations aim to standardize the use and management of the National Natural Science Fund, promote basic research, train science and technology personnel, and enhance indigenous innovation capabilities. The revision also highlights the critical role of young talent in sci-tech development and suggests attracting and nurturing them through the establishment of various programs and targeted resource allocation.

Guidelines Set New Targets for Green Transition

China announced a comprehensive set of guidelines to accelerate green transition in all areas of economic and social development in August 2024. The objective is to achieve remarkable results by 2030. A green, low-carbon and circular economy development system will be established and the "Beautiful China" goal is expected to be attained by 2035.

Key initiatives for this to happen include developing green hubs in regions such as the Xiong'an New Area, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Yangtze River Delta. Green industries will be integrated with AI, big data, cloud computing and industrial Internet to promote digital and green coordinated transition.

Blueprint to Modernize China's IP Protection

The National Intellectual Property Administration, the country's top intellectual property (IP) regulator, along with eight other government departments, issued a comprehensive plan for the establishment of an IP protection system.

The plan serves as a roadmap for China to modernize and strengthen its IP system by 2035. Efforts will be made to crack down on irregular patent applications and malicious trademark registrations, and strengthen IP protection in emerging fields such as AI, gene technology and livestreaming.

National Industrial Standards for AI

China issued a guideline for the construction of a national comprehensive AI industry standard system in June 2024. The guideline specified seven key parts for developing the AI standard system, such as standards for key technologies, new industrialization, intelligent products and services, and industry applications.

In the 2024 Government Work Report, China unveiled an AI Plus initiative to propel the digital economy's expansion and the transformation and modernization of manufacturing sectors. By 2026, the country expects to develop more than 50 new national and industrial standards for AI development, and participate in the development of over 20 international AI standards.

Ethical Guideline for Human Genome Editing Research

China's Ministry of Science and Technology published an ethical guideline for human genome editing research in July 2024, specifying the purpose, basic principles and general requirements for conducting human genome editing research.

The guideline clarifies the do's and don'ts of gene editing technology, with "improving human welfare" as the first principle of editing. It states that human genome editing research should be developed for the good, and any current clinical research involving germline genome editing is irresponsible and not allowed.

Guideline to Speed Up Use of Data Resources

China released a guideline to accelerate the development and utilization of public data resources in October 2024. This initiative seeks to unlock the potential of public data as an essential element in driving high-quality economic growth.

The primary objective is to establish a foundational regulatory framework for public data resource development and utilization. The milestones include significantly enhancing the scale and quality of available data resources, expanding the range of data products and services, and achieving tangible results in key industries and regions.

Comprehensive Plan for Rural Revitalization

A comprehensive rural revitalization plan was unveiled by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in January 2025. At its core, the plan prioritizes technological innovation, industrial growth, green transformation, infrastructure upgrades, and the development of digital villages in rural areas.

Key measures for technological innovation include enhancing research on critical technologies, advancing smart agricultural equipment, and promoting precision farming techniques. By 2027, China aims to achieve significant progress in rural revitalization, laying a solid foundation for agricultural modernization by 2035.

More Measures to Facilitate Foreign Investment

The General Office of the State Council in March 2024 issued an action plan for advancing high-level opening-up and making greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment. The plan has pragmatic measures to attract foreign investment by expanding market access and facilitating the flow of innovative elements.

The 2024 negative list for foreign investment access, effective on November 1, reduces the number of restrictions from 31 to 29, achieving zero restrictions in the manufacturing sector.

In a significant step for the healthcare sector, the country allows wholly-owned foreign hospitals to establish operations in the major cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as the entire island of Hainan.