China Unveils 'Made in China 2035' to Dominate Advanced Technologies

China is preparing to launch "Made in China 2035," an ambitious industrial policy aimed at solidifying its position as a global leader in advanced technologies. This initiative builds upon the earlier "Made in China 2025" plan, which sought to transform the nation from a low-cost manufacturing hub into a high-tech industrial powerhouse.

Introduced in 2015, "Made in China 2025" targeted ten key industries, including advanced information technology, robotics, aerospace, and electric vehicles. The plan set ambitious goals, such as increasing the domestic content of core materials to 40% by 2020 and 70% by 2025. Despite facing international criticism and trade tensions, particularly with the United States and Europe over concerns of unfair trade practices and technological dominance, China made significant strides. By 2023, the country's share of global manufacturing reached 28.8%, and it captured 20% of exports in key strategic industries. Notably, China surpassed targets in electric vehicle production and exports, becoming a global leader in this sector. (source)

Building on these achievements, China is now laying the groundwork for "Made in China 2035." This forthcoming policy is expected to focus on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, 6G telecommunications, and quantum computing. These areas align with President Xi Jinping’s agenda to develop "new productive forces" and position China at the forefront of global technological innovation. (source)

Domestically, China continues to grapple with economic imbalances, such as weak consumer spending and debt-fueled industrial overcapacity. While there are signals from Beijing about boosting household consumption, the manufacturing-centric growth model remains predominant. The rise in exports amid deflation risks and economic shifts suggests that China's evolving industrial policies will continue to present both global and internal challenges. (source)

The original "Made in China 2025" plan led to significant global trade tensions, particularly with the U.S. and Europe, due to concerns over unfair trade practices and technological dominance. The introduction of "Made in China 2035" is anticipated to intensify these geopolitical and trade tensions, especially with Western nations. The focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, 6G, and quantum computing may lead to increased competition and potential conflicts over technological supremacy. (source)

As China embarks on this new strategic shift, the international community watches closely, anticipating both the opportunities and challenges that may arise. The evolution of China's industrial strategy from "Made in China 2025" to "Made in China 2035" underscores the nation's commitment to technological advancement and economic transformation.