The 15th Five-Year Plan, announced at the annual Two Sessions political conclave, provides a framework for China to achieve economic transformation and technological self-sufficiency by 2030.

Here are five key points:

- Doubling GDP -

China will aim to reach a gross domestic product level "of moderately developed countries", doubling its 2020 GDP per capita over the next five years.

The world's second-largest economy has struggled to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, weighed down by a debt-ridden property sector.

Its leaders hope that an increase in GDP will go hand-in-hand with stronger consumption.

"The household consumption rate will clearly increase, the leading role of domestic demand in driving economic growth will continue to strengthen, and the potential for economic growth will be fully unleashed," the Five-Year Plan said.

However, China set its growth target for the current year at 4.5-5 percent, its lowest rate since 1991, according to AFP research.

- Scientific, tech self-reliance -

Science and technology make up the bulk of the plan as China tries to boost its self-reliance in key sectors.

Beijing is investing heavily in high-tech industries, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, to reduce its dependence on the United States.

The latter took centre stage with the introduction of an "AI+ action plan".

China will also bolster investment in research and development over the coming five years.

"The average annual growth rate of research and development investment for the whole society will exceed 7 percent", while "the capacity for basic research and original innovation will be significantly strengthened", according to the plan.

- Soft power -

China aims to strengthen its influence through soft power, hoping to make its cultural and creative production "mainstream".

"The influence of Chinese culture will be significantly enhanced, and the country's soft power will continuously improve," it said.

Chinese creative products have had major international success in the past year.

Grimacing Labubu dolls became a global sensation, while Chinese cinema broke box-office records with the animated film "Ne Zha 2".

"Cultural confidence will become more firm, mainstream ideology," the plan said.

- Social improvement -

China's leaders also hope to introduce social improvements, including bringing the urban unemployment rate below 5.5 percent by 2030.

Its unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds reached a two-year high of 18.9 percent in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Experts say Chinese people are increasingly questioning the value of traditionally prized degrees from elite universities in an oversaturated market.

The Five-Year Plan promises "the growth of residents' income will be in step with economic growth", while "the average years of education for the working-age population will increase to 11.7 years".

It also hopes to lift the average life expectancy to 80 years, up from the current 79, according to official statistics.

- Pollution cuts -

China, the largest emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, aims to further reduce pollution.

Many Chinese cities still see pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organization's guidelines, although they have fallen dramatically since the "airpocalypse" days of the past.

The reduction is a result of a years-long campaign by China to improve air quality, which has seen many vehicles electrified and factories moved away from cities.

Levels of PM2.5 -- small particulate matter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream -- have fallen 69.8 percent since 2013, Beijing municipality said in January.

The plan promises a reduction in PM2.5 concentration in cities at or above the prefectural level to below 27 micrograms per cubic meter.

Average PM2.5 concentration in Chinese cities in 2024 was 29.3 micrograms per cubic metre, according to government statistics.