leadership profiles

China's Next-Generation Industrial Policy: A More Expansive and Pervasive Strategy

China's industrial policy has evolved beyond targeted sectors to an 'industrial policy of everything,' accelerating trade dominance and deepening foreign dependencies on Chinese supply chains.

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By Editorial Team
Euro Biz Herald Editorial
July 18, 20262 min read
China's Next-Generation Industrial Policy: A More Expansive and Pervasive Strategy

China's industrial policy has evolved beyond targeted sectors to an 'industrial policy of everything,' accelerating trade dominance and deepening foreign dependencies on Chinese supply chains.

A comprehensive report released by Rhodium Group on May 11, 2026, titled "China's Next-Generation Industrial Policy," assesses the evolution of China's state-led industrial strategy and its global implications. The report, commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, finds that China's industrial policy has shifted from targeted sectoral interventions—as seen in the earlier Made in China 2025 (MIC25) initiative—to a more systemic and pervasive approach, described as an "industrial policy of everything."

Key Findings

  • Expanded Scope: China's next-generation industrial policy extends across all layers of production: upstream inputs, industrial equipment, downstream applications, services, and frontier technologies. Unlike MIC25, which focused on a defined set of strategic emerging industries, current frameworks cover mature sectors, foundational supply chain nodes, and emerging technologies alike.
  • Accelerating Trade Dominance: The domestic dynamics are accelerating China's trade dominance, with Chinese firms rapidly expanding globally. Beijing is deploying policy tools to entrench its dominant position in global value chains and counter foreign diversification strategies.
  • Deepening Foreign Dependencies: Many economies are becoming increasingly dependent on Chinese supply chains, a trend that the report warns poses strategic vulnerabilities for other nations.

Background and Methodology

The report builds on earlier assessments by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, which had warned about the implications of MIC25 as early as 2016. Rhodium Group's analysis confirms that China achieved many of its MIC25 objectives, particularly in new energy vehicles and information and communications equipment, though it still lags in high-end semiconductors and advanced aerospace.

Implications for Global Competition

The report emphasizes that the challenge is not new; warnings were issued years ago. However, insufficient responses have led to lost competitiveness and strategic vulnerabilities. The authors call on policymakers and industry leaders to recognize the scale of China's evolving industrial strategy and take coordinated action.

For the full report, including detailed chapter breakdowns and data, refer to the original source at Rhodium Group.

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