China’s five-year plan for the information and communications sector

China's new five-year plan for information and communications, targeting 4.1 trillion yuan in sector revenues by 2030, is less about immediate growth and more about long-term strategic control. The 2035 target of "socialist modernisation" points to a deeper integration of state objectives with technological development, particularly in areas like 5G, AI, and cloud infrastructure. This is a continuation of Beijing's push for self-sufficiency, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology and supply chains. The real story is the emphasis on domestic innovation and standardization within China's digital economy. For Asian tech companies, this means increased competition from state-backed Chinese firms in regional markets, particularly in network equipment and digital services. It also suggests a hardening of China's internal market, making it more challenging for non-Chinese players to gain significant traction without aligning with these national objectives. The plan reflects a clear intent to build a robust, independent digital ecosystem.