China’s annual National People’s Congress is set to begin this week with the country’s top leaders gathering to endorse decisions made by the all-powerful Chinese Communist Party. The event is expected to focus on priorities for the coming year, such as fostering innovation and spurring domestic consumption. The government will also be looking to balance these goals while navigating potential impacts from the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.
This year marks the end of China’s current 5-year plan, and experts will be watching for clues on the government’s priorities for the next plan, spanning from 2026 to 2030. Premier Li Qiang is expected to announce an economic growth target of around 5%, which would be challenging given the current economic challenges China faces.
The government’s priorities are expected to include increasing domestic demand, promoting innovation, and supporting the private sector to fuel growth. President Xi Jinping has already signaled support for the private sector by meeting with business leaders and pushing for a fairer business environment. However, analysts are not expecting significant shifts in policy towards boosting consumption.
In terms of diplomacy, attention will be on China’s stance on U.S.-China relations under President Donald Trump, as well as relations with Russia and its position on the Ukraine war. The National People’s Congress is largely ceremonial, with delegates formalizing decisions already made by Communist Party leaders. Despite this, the event provides insights into the government’s priorities and goals for the future.
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