China’s ideology chief calls on propaganda officials to focus on the economy

Cai Qi – who is responsible for ideology, culture and internet regulation – tells cadres to make ‘good start’ to the next five-year plan

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Chinese ideology chief Cai Qi told cadres at the meeting on Monday: “We need to do our job well in media and communication, with a particular focus on the economy.” Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:00pm, 6 Jan 2026

China’s ideology chief has again called on propaganda officials to focus on the economy, as the country grapples with a slowdown, high unemployment and weak consumer demand.

Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, told a national meeting of publicity department heads in Beijing on Monday that “a good start should be set” for the next five-year plan, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The country’s new blueprint for social and economic development has officially begun and runs until 2030.

“We need to do our job well in media and communication, with a particular focus on the economy,” said Cai, who is responsible for ideology, culture and internet regulation.

“[We need to] respond to public sentiment and guide public opinion, as well as strengthen mainstream ideology that is self-confident, self-reliant and united,” he added.

Cai also called for tighter management of cyberspace and more efforts to communicate with the world and “tell China’s stories in a truthful, three-dimensional, comprehensive way”.

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China’s ideology chief calls on propaganda officials to focus on the economy

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Cai Qi – who is responsible for ideology, culture and internet regulation – tells cadres to make ‘good start’ to the next five-year plan

Cai Qi – who is responsible for ideology, culture and internet regulation – tells cadres to make ‘good start’ to the next five-year plan