China’s Fourth Plenum: Beijing Signals Stable Course with ‘High-Level Opening’ and Innovation Drive

China will convene the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee on October 20–23, using the meeting to lock in a steady, innovation-led course rather than announce abrupt policy shifts, according to an analysis by Dr. Imran Khalid.

Officials are expected to review outcomes of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) and sketch priorities for 2026–2030 around three themes: «new productivity,» «China’s large market,» and «high-level opening up.» The agenda signals confidence in an economic model that pairs state guidance with market vitality, prioritising advanced manufacturing, AI, clean energy and domestic consumption from a vast middle class.

Selective liberalization. especially in services and capital markets, will continue «on China’s terms,» with foreign participation tied to reciprocity and national priorities. At the same time, Beijing aims to deepen energy security through diversified supplies and a faster green transition.

Rather than reacting to external pressure, the plenum is set to reaffirm long-horizon planning under President Xi Jinping, align the Belt and Road’s next phase with domestic modernization, and expand «dual circulation» links between home demand and global markets. The message: China intends to be a stabilizer in a fragmented world—betting on innovation, infrastructure and measured openness to sustain growth into the next planning cycle.

From news to politics, travel to sports, culture to climate — Kursiv Uzbekistan highlights the pulse of life across Central Asia and beyond. Discover the stories you want to read, and more, by clicking here.