China’s fourth plenum: party leaders call for boosting self-reliance against ‘raging storms’

China has outlined its latest five-year plan, following the end of the political leadership’s fourth party plenum on October 23, 2025. The Communist Party released a 5,000-word communique calling for “further deepening reforms across the board” while continuing to improve people’s living standards. It also offered a view of the party’s Central Committee outlook, underscoring its determination to double down on technological advancements, security and self-reliance to fend off headwinds.