This year's sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee were of particular importance as they took place at the outset of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. These Two Sessions had the responsibility of finalizing the development blueprint for the next five years, so understanding their outcomes will provide insights into where China sees its people's wellbeing and its place in the world in 2030.
One of the focuses of the plan is to develop new quality productive forces, which are economic drivers based on cutting-edge technologies, with science and technology innovation being placed in the leading position. The transition to powering economic growth with industries such as AI, quantum technology, 6G and biomanufacturing is necessary to improve China's international competitiveness.
In addition to the 15th Five-Year Plan, another key item on the Two Sessions agenda included the government work report, which releases key targets, such as GDP growth and monetary policy orientation for 2026. With the aim of striking a balance between stabilizing economic growth and promoting reform, new policies focused on expanding domestic demand, stabilizing employment and improving people's wellbeing. Proactive measures were introduced to address core concerns of the public, such as education, healthcare, elderly care and the development of rural areas. These measures will not only contribute to China's economic and social development, but also bring opportunities to the international community.
On the legislative agenda were an environmental code, a law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a law on national development planning. In particular, the country's second "code" after the Civil Code, the environmental code has integrated the concept of green development into the practice of rule of law, enhancing legal support for the building of a beautiful China.
The Two Sessions brought together China's legislators and political advisors, as well as wisdom collected from experts and industry to chart China's path forward, both domestically and as a member of the global community. China will continue aligning itself behind the expansion of high-standard opening up and the deepening of international cooperation. Aiming to address uncertainties with stable policies, China will promote sound and steady economic and social development, injecting certainty and positive momentum into the world.