The National Development and Reform Commission, the China Football Association, the General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Education jointly issued the Outline of Medium and Long-Term Development Plan (2016-50) for Chinese Football on Monday, which advances the goal of the country becoming a "top-class football nation" by 2050.

The plan is the first long-term planning for China's soccer cause that points out the specific timetable for the development of soccer in China in the long term. It not only outlines a vision of the sport's progress in China over several decades, but also advances a series of pragmatic measures to achieve the stated goal.

Over the next five years, China plans to lay solid foundations for the development of soccer in the country. After that, the specific goals are the men's national team should rank among the top nations in Asia by 2030 and the women's national team should return to being one of the top teams in the world. By 2050, the men's national team should also be a top-class team.

To achieve these goals, the plan sets out several major tasks, including establishing an institutional system, cultivating soccer talents, setting up fields and facilities, fostering a soccer industry and promoting a football culture.

The plan requires local governments, administrative departments and social organizations, including soccer associations, to jointly participate in the overall development of China's soccer cause.