Senior Chinese leaders’ tours round country offer clues to economic policy agenda ahead of key meeting
- Inspection tours by members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including Premier Li Qiang, suggest what the main focus for the third plenum in July will be
- The meeting, which has been delayed for unknown reasons, will set out the country’s economic strategy for the next five to 10 years
The four emphasised technological self-reliance, social stability and high-quality development during the trips, the first made by members of the senior leadership after the announcement that the third plenum would be held in July after an unexplained delay.
It is a tradition for senior officials to make domestic inspection tours before a plenum, a party gathering that will announce goals to be followed up by government agencies with specific policies.
Li visited Xinjiang between Tuesday and Thursday, saying the northwestern region should strengthen international exchanges and promote its role as a trade link between inland provinces and other countries, state news agency Xinhua reported.
His itinerary included visits to local companies, where he stressed the need to support the development of industries showcasing local strengths such as energy and equipment manufacturing. He also said the region should promote stability.