6G Photo: VCG

China will continue to prioritize the cultivation and expansion of emerging and future-oriented industries with plans to develop integrated circuits, new displays, new materials, aerospace, low-altitude economy and biopharmaceuticals into emerging pillar industries, according to a post published on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Friday.

The national conference on industry and information technology-related work was held in Beijing from December 25 to 26, outlining the 2026 work focus to secure a strong start for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, with 10 key tasks identified.

Efforts will concentrate on consolidating the steady and positive momentum of the industrial economy, implementing a new round of growth-stabilization plans for 10 major sectors, and supporting major industrial provinces in playing a leading role, according to the post. 

The supply of green products, trendy goods, and elderly-friendly products will be increased, and the systematic cultivation of a renowned Chinese consumer goods matrix will be promoted, according to MIIT, which also noted that effective investment in manufacturing will be stabilized.

The 10 key tasks include major efforts to expand the digital economy, with a focus on promoting the deep integration of informatization and industrialization; building high-quality industry datasets; developing digital transformation roadmaps for key sectors; establishing high-standard digital parks; deepening digital empowerment initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises; advancing the "AI + Manufacturing" initiative; nurturing smart entities and artificial intelligence (AI)-native enterprises in key industries, implementing integration initiatives for the industrial internet and AI, among others, according to the MIIT.

Support for AI breakthroughs will be enhanced, and commercial trials for new services such as the satellite Internet of Things will be conducted in an orderly manner. The first batch of national demonstration bases for emerging industries will be established, alongside a number of innovative industrial clusters, the ministry said.

An "unveiling the list and appointing leaders" mechanism will be launched for key future-oriented industry sectors, with policies for embodied AI and the metaverse to be refined. Research and development (R&D) on 6G wireless technology will be strengthened, the MIIT said.

The conference noted that the year 2025 has seen new breakthroughs in industrial technology innovation, as well as coordinated implementation of national major science and technology projects and key R&D programs.

From January to November, value-added output in high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing above designated size increased by 9.2 percent and 9.3 percent year-on-year, respectively. The core AI industry exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($142.28 billion), and new energy vehicle exports surpassed 2 million units, according to MIIT.

Global Times