Beijing hosted China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference from Wednesday to Thursday, where leaders outlined plans for 2026. Economic priorities set at the conference will guide the country’s macroeconomic policies, fiscal measures, and development initiatives.
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a keynote speech reviewing China’s 2025 economic achievements. Economic priorities set included support for innovation, internal capacity building, and investment in physical and human capital.
The conference highlighted that 2025 was an extraordinary year, noting China met key economic and social targets despite global uncertainties. Leaders stressed that, while challenges remain, China’s long-term growth fundamentals are stable.
Officials emphasized applying the new development philosophy and accelerating a development paradigm that promotes high-quality growth nationwide. Economic priorities set also include balancing progress with stability, coordinating domestic policies with international trade strategies, and ensuring national development and security.
China plans to implement proactive fiscal measures, maintain necessary fiscal deficits, and standardize tax incentives and subsidies. Local fiscal challenges will receive greater attention, while government bodies continue emphasizing financial discipline.
Monetary policy will remain moderately loose, using reserve requirement ratios, interest rates, and other tools flexibly to maintain liquidity. Economic priorities set call for financial institutions to expand support for domestic demand, innovation, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The conference also reaffirmed that the renminbi exchange rate will remain generally stable at an adaptive and balanced level. Policy coordination and expectation management mechanisms will strengthen social confidence and market stability.
Experts say the conference signals China’s commitment to steady growth amid global uncertainties. Economic priorities set indicate continued focus on domestic consumption, industrial upgrading, and risk mitigation.
China will continue combining investment in infrastructure and innovation, expanding domestic demand, and promoting a unified national market to support sustained development.
