China will accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in science and technology and transform the country into a scientific and technological powerhouse, Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun said in Beijing on Thursday.

Yin highlighted the importance of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) for scientific and technological development and outlined a systematic blueprint for innovation over the next five years. His remarks were made during the first minister's passage interview following the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People.

Yin emphasized the need to focus on original and pioneering research endeavors. The country will deploy major national scientific and technological initiatives across the entire chain, including strengthening the systematic layout of basic research and bolstering cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

He stressed the pivotal role of technological innovation in advancing new quality productive forces. China aims to establish a modernized industrial system by transforming and upgrading traditional industries while developing emerging and future industries to foster new economic growth opportunities.

Efforts will also be made to enhance the efficiency of a coordinated national innovation system. "We will enhance the development of the regional innovation system, particularly by strengthening the original innovation sources, high-end industry leadership, and top talent attraction functions of the three major international scientific and technological innovation hubs: Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta), and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," Yin said.

He added that these hubs will support national strategic scientific and technological forces, with the central government collaborating with different regions and departments to advance the development of education, science and technology, and talent.

China plans to create a world-class innovation ecosystem by constructing major scientific and technological infrastructure, establishing world-class journals and databases, and deepening reforms in the evaluation of science and technology. The country will also promote international exchanges and cooperation, taking the lead in organizing large international scientific programs and projects.

Yin stressed that technological development should provide solid support for industrial advancement, requiring innovation to be geared toward industrial needs and industrial development to rely on innovation. "It is essential to move beyond the conventional approach of converting already achieved research outcomes and instead promote a new paradigm where technological and industrial innovations are planned, deployed, and advanced in a coordinated manner," he said. This approach is essential in industries such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, quantum technology, brain-computer interfaces, and nuclear fusion.

China has seen rapid development in science and technology in recent years, with its innovation index climbing to 10th place globally, Yin noted. In 2025, total societal investment in research and development exceeded 3.92 trillion yuan ($570 billion). Investment in basic research was nearly 280 billion yuan, accounting for 7.08 percent of the total, surpassing 7 percent for the first time and setting a new record. Major breakthroughs have been made in areas including open-source large models, chips, and innovative drugs, he added.