China’s key NPC meeting comes to a close as lower growth target set | Politics News
Beijing Approves Five-Year Plan Amidst Stricter Anti-Corruption Measures
National People’s Congress signals commitment to tackling corruption as it sets new economic goals.
Beijing – China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) concluded its annual session with the approval of the country’s latest five-year plan, which includes a growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for the next five years. This marks the lowest target for economic growth in nearly three decades, excluding the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the session, nearly 3,000 delegates formally endorsed the 15th iteration of the five-year plan, which outlines the nation’s economic roadmap from 2026 to 2030. In addition to the growth target, the plan sets benchmarks for inflation, fiscal deficit ratios, and urban unemployment.
China aims to achieve the status of a “moderately developed” country by 2035, with a goal of raising its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita to $20,000 by that year. As of 2024, the figure stood at $13,303, according to the World Bank.
The Chinese government is navigating significant economic challenges, including an ongoing property sector collapse, low consumer confidence, and a persistent period of deflation. The new five-year plan emphasizes industrial self-reliance and increased state support for key sectors, such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and biomedicine. Additionally, the plan highlights the development of advanced technologies, including quantum computing and digital currencies.
To facilitate cross-border payments, Beijing plans to expand the use of its digital yuan, known as the e-CNY, which is currently under development by the People’s Bank of China.
One of the session’s key features was the release of work reports from various government ministries, which provide insights into China’s policy direction and progress on established goals. Notably, the NPC’s Standing Committee announced plans to pass a law aimed at combatting cross-border corruption, reinforcing President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
The campaign appears to be gaining traction, with the Supreme People’s Court reporting a 22.4 percent increase in corruption cases last year, involving approximately 36,000 individuals. As part of its anti-corruption efforts, the state recovered 18.14 billion yuan ($2.63 billion) in 2025.
The military also identified anti-corruption initiatives as a priority in its annual work report, alongside efforts to ensure political loyalty to Xi and the Communist Party.
The NPC convenes for about a week each year, in conjunction with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body. Together, these sessions, referred to as the “Two Sessions,” bring together thousands of delegates to review and approve crucial policy measures.
