Mission Unlock | Ep 1: Too dependent on manufacturing? This old factory tells a different story

Editor's Note:

"Mission Unlock" uses real stories and everyday scenes to explain the development logic behind China's 15th Five-Year Plan. Through stories of industry, people and lived experience, it offers global audiences a more relatable, accessible look at China's next stage of development.

In Episode 1 of "Mission Unlock," Mina visits an aging industrial park to see how a bicycle manufacturer is embracing advanced manufacturing.

What she finds is more than new equipment inside old factory buildings. It is a complete innovation ecosystem that connects materials, sensors, algorithms, testing, production lines and real-world applications in one coordinated system.

Mina comes to realize that what matters is not whether a product looks "new enough," but whether innovation can be transformed into real products, industrial chains can operate in sync and the real economy can remain strong enough to support long-term growth.

According to the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development, China will develop a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone.

By keeping the real economy at the center and enabling cutting-edge technologies to take root, China can build a modern industrial system that is both robust and resilient. Amid global turbulence, this industrial strength can serve as an important source of stability.