Storyline: China's manufacturing sector ranks first globally for 15 consecutive years: official [Voice_over] The Minister of Industry and Information Technology says China’s industrial economy has remained on a steady upward track since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2021. [Sound_bite] Li Lecheng, Minister of Industry and Information Technology: "Over the course of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s manufacturing value-added is expected to grow by 8 trillion yuan, contributing more than 30 percent of global growth. Our share of global manufacturing is now close to 30 percent, and has remained the world’s largest for 15 straight years." [Voice_over] Between 2020 and 2024, China ramped up industrial upgrading. Value-added output in equipment manufacturing grew by 7.9 percent annually, while high-tech manufacturing rose by 8.7 percent each year. New energy vehicle production hit a record 13 million units last year, marking 10 straight years of China as the world’s biggest producer and market. The shipbuilding industry also retained a leading global share. [Sound_bite] Li Lecheng, Minister of Industry and Information Technology: "A defining feature of this period is the deep integration of the real economy with the digital economy. Over five years, China built the world’s largest and most extensive network infrastructure — nearly 4.6 million 5G base stations. 5G is now powering smart operations in mines, ports, and factories. Industrial internet platforms have connected more than 100 million devices." [Voice_over] Officials also point to breakthroughs in innovation. The domestically developed C919 large passenger aircraft has entered commercial service. China’s first large cruise ship is now in operation, and the CR450 high-speed train rolled off the production line. Progress has also been made in the development of artificial intelligence and quantum communication technology. The ministry says it will accelerate building a modern industrial system anchored in advanced manufacturing. That means more upgrades in technology and equipment, stronger new growth drivers, and greater openness to the world — all aimed at moving China’s industries further up the value chain. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]