BEIJING (Realist English). Chinese leaders outlined key economic, technological and military priorities for 2026 during the opening session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People.
In the government work report presented to lawmakers, Beijing set a gross domestic product growth target of between 4.5% and 5% for the year. The government also aims to keep consumer inflation around 2% while maintaining a fiscal deficit of roughly 4% of GDP.
Officials said the plan includes creating about 12 million new jobs in urban areas as part of broader efforts to stabilize the economy.
The government also announced a 7% increase in the defense budget, continuing a steady expansion of China’s military spending. Investment in research and development is expected to rise by around 10% as Beijing seeks to strengthen technological innovation.
Premier Li Qiang said the government would introduce new policies to support the private sector, protect legitimate business interests and encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The report placed significant emphasis on the development of emerging industries. Authorities plan to expand investment in areas such as advanced energy systems, quantum technologies, embodied artificial intelligence, brain–computer interfaces and next-generation 6G communications.
Looking beyond the current year, Beijing also outlined the framework of its 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030, which aims to keep annual economic growth within what officials described as an “appropriate range” while advancing high-tech industries and strengthening national economic resilience.
