https://www.scmp.com/rss/515156/feed Li Qiang, born in Wenzhou in 1959, became China's premier in March 2023. Li’s first provincial government job was in the civil affairs department, providing welfare to the rural poor. He was appointed party boss of Wenzhou in 2002 at the age of 43, making him the youngest person to take up that position in more than three decades, and he established himself there as a keen supporter of the city's private sector. He joined Zhejiang’s provincial party committee in 2003, less than a year after Xi... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Frank Chen Frank Chen Beijing is putting its power strategy under the microscope as China navigates the impact of a shipping crisis in the Strait of Hormuz that risks becoming a long-term economic liability. Calling energy security a pillar of national stability, Premier Li Qiang on Monday convened a high-level study session of the State Council, China’s Cabinet, according to Xinhua. The meeting, focused on coordinating energy security and the sector’s transformation, was the latest in a series of policy discussions... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3350896/china-confronts-middle-east-supply-shock-state-council-mulls-energy-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3350896/china-confronts-middle-east-supply-shock-state-council-mulls-energy-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:14 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen China and Vietnam should stand together against unilateralism and protectionism and jointly counter global challenges, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Vietnam’s top leader on Wednesday, as energy concerns continued to spill over from the Iran conflict. “Both sides should uphold the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the global free trade system and keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3350195/chinas-xi-jinping-tells-vietnamese-counterpart-they-should-jointly-oppose-unilateralism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3350195/chinas-xi-jinping-tells-vietnamese-counterpart-they-should-jointly-oppose-unilateralism?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:09:33 +0000 Mark Magnier,Khushboo Razdan,William Zheng,Dewey Sim Mark Magnier,Khushboo Razdan,William Zheng,Dewey Sim As US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepare to sit down in the coming weeks, negotiations on deliverables and scheduling have accelerated, including a possible visit to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and a military parade, according to several people familiar with the planning process. The lead-up for such a consequential summit has been compressed and rather disjointed given the Middle East war and Trump’s preference for making last-minute decisions based on his “gut”. “This... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3350079/trump-xi-summit-shaped-uncertainty-not-strategy-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3350079/trump-xi-summit-shaped-uncertainty-not-strategy-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:13 +0000 Marshall Li Marshall Li In Beijing, strategic elites have started to see world politics as sliding from the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States era. However, if China believes the old order is falling apart, its future will depend less on economic power and more on presenting a reliable political vision. For much of the past decade, the dominant framework for understanding China-US relations has been the Thucydides Trap. Since Graham Allison popularised the term, the relationship has been cast as an... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3349637/global-warring-states-era-begins-china-must-plan-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3349637/global-warring-states-era-begins-china-must-plan-future?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:30:08 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang A mega dam under construction in Tibet must prioritise ecological integrity and safety, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing said during a visit to the project. The dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo will be the world’s largest hydropower facility. It is a key element of China’s plans to exploit the potential of the Tibetan Plateau by boosting regional growth through green energy and infrastructure. India has frequently expressed concerns that the project could lead to water shortages and ecological... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3349889/safety-and-quality-top-priorities-chinas-highly-sensitive-megadam-tibet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3349889/safety-and-quality-top-priorities-chinas-highly-sensitive-megadam-tibet?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:24:51 +0000 Iris Deng Iris Deng Yang Zhilin, founder of fast-rising start-up Moonshot AI, has become the latest artificial intelligence entrepreneur to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as Beijing steps up its push to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing. The 32-year-old was among a select group of business leaders and experts invited to a high-level symposium on Friday, where participants offered views on China’s economic resilience and future growth drivers. Li acknowledged that the external environment had... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3349707/chinas-li-qiang-urges-faster-industrial-ai-adoption-meeting-moonshot-ai-founder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3349707/chinas-li-qiang-urges-faster-industrial-ai-adoption-meeting-moonshot-ai-founder?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:30:08 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen President Xi Jinping has signalled a renewed focus on China’s services sector, calling for a demand- and tech-led strategy to reshape growth and create jobs, as policymakers met to chart the path forward. “The focus must be on demand-driven development and reforms as well as empowerment by technologies,” Xi said in a message to a two-day conference on the sector that concluded on Wednesday, according to state-run news agency Xinhua. Highlighting the role of services in tackling some of China’s... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3349415/xi-jinping-backs-services-sector-power-chinas-next-growth-phase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3349415/xi-jinping-backs-services-sector-power-chinas-next-growth-phase?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:30:08 +0000 Shi Jiangtao Shi Jiangtao China and Australia should intensify exchanges on energy security amid complex global geopolitics, Canberra said on Tuesday as spillover from the US-Israel war against Iran continued to endanger the world economy. In a phone conversation on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed the importance of energy security “in light of the current global challenges” and agreed to increase government-to-government communication to support regional energy... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3349341/neighbours-matter-more-ever-china-australia-vow-more-contact-amid-global-tension?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3349341/neighbours-matter-more-ever-china-australia-vow-more-contact-amid-global-tension?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:27:41 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat As global supply volatility intensifies, Premier Li Qiang has called for faster development of a “new-type power system” to accelerate the green transition and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector. During a three-day visit to the southwestern province of Sichuan, Li stressed the need to expand green electricity supply and optimise the energy mix to bolster security and support economic growth. He urged market players to explore new grid architectures, improve system-wide... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348764/premier-li-qiang-pushes-ai-powered-next-gen-energy-system-amid-global-shocks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348764/premier-li-qiang-pushes-ai-powered-next-gen-energy-system-amid-global-shocks?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:10:42 +0000 Chris Pereira Chris Pereira Against a backdrop of war and global uncertainty, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a clear message at the recent China Development Forum: China is committed to being a “harbour of stability” for the world. The forum, which drew CEOs from global companies such as Siemens, Nestlé and Apple, signalled to the world that while the United States flails, China offers reliability and steady governance. Even before the US-Israeli war on Iran, however, my inbox was already telling me that something was... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3348213/surge-global-business-interest-chinas-harbour-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3348213/surge-global-business-interest-chinas-harbour-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia closely follow the annual “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies. What set them apart this year is that they also followed the endorsement of the country’s 15th five-year plan. Therefore, they have been an opportunity for Chinese leaders to engage directly with foreign officials and business leaders to explain China’s economic strategy and policies. In the past, foreigners wondered how much of a five-year... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Finbarr Bermingham Finbarr Bermingham German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he can imagine a trade deal with China in the future, signalling a new softening stance towards Beijing in European capitals. “We have set quite a lot in motion when it comes to trade policy. I can also envisage further agreements, for example, in the longer term an agreement with the People’s Republic of China,” Merz said in the German parliament on Wednesday. Merz’s remarks underscore how surging trade and geopolitical tensions with Washington are... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348030/germanys-merz-floats-eu-china-trade-deal-capitals-soften-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348030/germanys-merz-floats-eu-china-trade-deal-capitals-soften-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:51 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for developing the Xiongan New Area into an innovation hub to drive high-quality growth. Xi made the call on Monday during his first inspection tour of the “city of the future” following the “two sessions” annual parliamentary meetings and the launch of China’s 15th five-year plan. The state-level megacity in Hebei province, about 100km (62 miles) southwest of Beijing, is Xi’s signature project aimed at taking the urban pressure off the capital. Xi visited... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347690/xi-jinping-pushes-xiongan-embrace-science-and-technology-build-city-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347690/xi-jinping-pushes-xiongan-embrace-science-and-technology-build-city-future?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:29:46 +0000 Neil Denslow,Raymond Ma Neil Denslow,Raymond Ma Chinese Premier Li Qiang committed to economic opening up and described the country as a “haven of stability” as he addressed global business leaders amid concerns about surging Chinese exports and conflict in the Middle East. China will support more balanced trade, provide further access to its services sectors, and boost imports of medical and healthcare products, digital technologies and low-carbon services, Li said at the China Development Forum on Sunday. Apple CEO Tim Cook, Samsung... https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3347584/chinas-li-pledges-economic-opening-touts-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3347584/chinas-li-pledges-economic-opening-touts-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:22:28 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Republican Senator Steve Daines, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, is expected to visit Hong Kong at the end of this month, according to sources. It would mark the first trip to the city by a sitting US senator since the Covid-19 pandemic. Daines would meet American business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly on the matter. The senator from Montana has played a prominent role in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347302/trump-ally-steve-daines-will-be-first-sitting-us-senator-visit-hong-kong-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347302/trump-ally-steve-daines-will-be-first-sitting-us-senator-visit-hong-kong-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:08 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen The United States’ rapidly mounting sovereign debt pile – which reached an unprecedented US$39 trillion on Wednesday – is becoming “alarmingly unsustainable” and a potential threat to the global economy, with spending likely to spiral even further amid the Iran war, analysts said. It remains unclear whether US President Donald Trump has the political will to rein in borrowing, despite promising to eliminate the national debt while campaigning for office in 2016, and other countries including... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3347192/us-federal-debt-becoming-alarmingly-unsustainable-iran-war-fuels-spending-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3347192/us-federal-debt-becoming-alarmingly-unsustainable-iran-war-fuels-spending-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:00:10 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang By the time software programmer Guo Cancan realised something had gone horribly wrong with OpenClaw – the task-executing AI agent that has ignited a fervour across China – the damage was already done. While on holiday over the Chinese New Year, Guo was tinkering with the autonomous open-source program. When he attempted to resolve an error that it had made, OpenClaw responded by deleting nearly everything on his computer’s D: drive – a major storage partition – wiping out years of personal data... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3346513/inside-openclaw-mania-gripping-china-security-fears-surge-alongside-enthusiasm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3346513/inside-openclaw-mania-gripping-china-security-fears-surge-alongside-enthusiasm?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:00:14 +0000 Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu Trade talks between China and the United States in Paris this weekend are likely to focus on setting the scene for the Beijing summit between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump later this month, analysts said, downplaying the prospects of any significant breakthroughs. Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to discuss potential deals on tariffs, investment, and trade in soybeans and rare earths, which would be presented as deliverables for the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346505/us-china-trade-talks-what-expect-senior-officials-meet-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346505/us-china-trade-talks-what-expect-senior-officials-meet-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies have concluded with the passage of major resolutions. A number of things set it apart. One is the endorsement by lawmakers of the nation’s 15th five-year plan – a road map with which Hong Kong is aligning its development. The other is that despite the distractions of war in the Middle East between rival power the United States and economic partner Iran, and the roller-coaster impact on the price of oil, China’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Local governments across China have rushed to ride the OpenClaw AI boom in hopes of spurring economic growth, only for Beijing to step in swiftly to rein in the frenzy. Authorities in Beijing have issued a series of safety warnings that analysts say underscore the divide in priorities between local and central authorities. The rush to adopt the artificial intelligence (AI) software has seen major internet companies offer low-cost or easily accessible versions, while local governments have rolled... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346384/what-chinas-openclaw-divide-reveals-about-local-and-central-government-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346384/what-chinas-openclaw-divide-reveals-about-local-and-central-government-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:57:44 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s ongoing “two sessions”. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Taiwan, trade war, PLA and AI: Li Qiang lays out priorities at ‘two sessions’ China’s premier pledged to champion “orderly” multipolarism and “inclusive” globalisation at the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. 2. Xi Jinping calls on China’s provincial powerhouses to lead in tech, risk control President... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:15:08 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen With its cutting-edge humanoid robots busting moves on the world’s most-watched television programme and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touring a company factory during a state visit, both within the last month, Unitree Robotics – already a household name in China – has seen its profile move into the stratosphere. And local government officials, eager to burnish their economies by strengthening ties to up-and-coming businesses, have made the domestic start-up’s founder and CEO Wang Xingxing a... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346115/why-chinas-red-hot-tech-push-leaving-some-traditional-sectors-out-cold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346115/why-chinas-red-hot-tech-push-leaving-some-traditional-sectors-out-cold?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:00:13 +0000 Winston Mok Winston Mok This year’s government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang marks a shift from the perennial fixation with growth towards a greater emphasis on effective strategic development, especially social and people-centred outcomes. The “two sessions” have convened against the backdrop of Washington’s military adventure overseas. In contrast to that overextended empire, China will prevail in the competition with the United States by putting its own house in order. Some of the most consequential... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346047/chinas-refocusing-social-goals-requires-more-new-metrics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346047/chinas-refocusing-social-goals-requires-more-new-metrics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:30:09 +0000 Fan Hou Fan Hou To see every province-level region’s growth target, view this Quick Digest. https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:16:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The annual “two sessions” in Beijing are under way, and this year the annual ritual of reading tea leaves in this city has been made easier for politics watchers. That is because Beijing has been blunt about the problems it thinks our city faces. There is the usual praise for the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s leadership. One striking difference is that Premier Li Qiang included in his annual work report, delivered at the opening session of the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang As global concern rises over artificial intelligence and the potential for AI agents to disrupt lives and industries, people in southern China are rushing to embrace the technology even as privacy concerns intensify. On Friday, nearly 1,000 people lined up outside Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings’ Shenzhen headquarters to install OpenClaw – a popular open-source AI agent software – on their computers. The crowd, a mix of amateur developers, retired space engineers, housewives, students and AI... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3345865/openclaw-fever-why-china-rushing-raise-lobster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3345865/openclaw-fever-why-china-rushing-raise-lobster?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:00:08 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang Chinese President Xi Jinping has again sought to shore up the military’s ideological defences, demanding absolute loyalty to the Communist Party from all ranks, just weeks after the country’s top general came under investigation for corruption. “There must be no room within the military for those harbouring disloyalty towards the party, nor any shelter for corrupt individuals,” Xi told a meeting of military and armed police lawmakers on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen China’s telecom and computing equipment maker ZTE on Friday reported revenue of 134 billion yuan (US$19 billion) in 2025, up 10.4 per cent, with its computing business surging 150 per cent year on year to account for 24.6 per cent of total sales amid the computing boom. However, net profit attributable to shareholders fell 33.3 per cent to 5.62 billion yuan, while net profit excluding non-recurring items dropped 45.5 per cent to 3.37 billion yuan, according to a post-trading earnings filing.... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345799/ztes-computing-revenue-jumps-150-amid-ai-boom-profits-fall-33?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345799/ztes-computing-revenue-jumps-150-amid-ai-boom-profits-fall-33?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 07:36:00 +0000 Sylvia Ma,Carol Yang Sylvia Ma,Carol Yang Beijing has pledged to expand imports and use its vast market to help other countries boost exports to the world’s second-largest economy – a move that could help balance global trade at a time when China’s export machine faces growing scrutiny. Beijing also planned to diversify markets and nurture new trade drivers such as artificial intelligence, seeking to stabilise trade as global supply chains come under mounting pressure from geopolitical conflicts, officials said. Commerce Minister Wang... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345772/beijing-vows-expand-imports-amid-china-shock-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345772/beijing-vows-expand-imports-amid-china-shock-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:10:26 +0000 Yeon Woo Lee Yeon Woo Lee China has for the first time included commercial health insurance in its 2026 government work report, signalling efforts to strengthen the country’s social safety net and support the growth of innovative drugs and medical devices. On Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the government would “work faster to develop commercial health insurance” and promote the “high-quality development of innovative drugs and medical devices” to better meet people’s diverse needs. Behind the unusual emphasis... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345717/china-pursue-commercial-health-insurance-ease-public-strain-support-drug-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345717/china-pursue-commercial-health-insurance-ease-public-strain-support-drug-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:12:46 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang The last uniformed man standing on China’s top military body has called for further “political rectification” of the armed forces, following a wave of high-profile corruption investigations. At a panel discussion in Beijing on Thursday as part of the country’s annual “two sessions”, Zhang Shengmin, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said this year was “crucial for fulfilling the goal for the centenary” of the People’s Liberation Army. “We must deepen political rectification,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:52:03 +0000 Xinyi Wu,Sylvia Ma Xinyi Wu,Sylvia Ma Achieving this year’s inflation target would be one of China’s top economic tasks, a prominent economist and government adviser said, as it was pivotal to accomplishing other government priorities such as boosting consumption, raising incomes and achieving the required headline growth figures. “The inflation target corresponds to a state of relative equilibrium between supply and demand,” Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345690/hitting-inflation-target-key-chinas-other-economic-goals-adviser-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345690/hitting-inflation-target-key-chinas-other-economic-goals-adviser-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:00:16 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters This live blog is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account below. For full coverage of the 15th five-year plan, including policy and economic shifts plus Trump’s visit, subscribe with our China Super March offer now. China’s top economic officials held a press conference on Friday as part of the “two sessions”, the country’s annual policymaking meetings. The leaders of the National Development and Reform Commission – Beijing’s top economic planner – the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345694/two-sessions-2026-china-lays-out-its-economic-agenda-press-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345694/two-sessions-2026-china-lays-out-its-economic-agenda-press-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:55:23 +0000 Mandy Zuo Mandy Zuo China will allocate more of its fiscal spending this year towards human capital and social safety nets, as Beijing seeks to boost domestic demand and unlock new growth through “investing in people”. “Efforts must be sustained to optimise the expenditure structure, with greater emphasis on supporting the boosting of consumption, investing in people, and safeguarding people’s livelihoods,” Premier Li Qiang said in his annual work report, delivered during the opening session of the National... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345615/china-pivots-investing-people-strategy-growth-engine-switches-gears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345615/china-pivots-investing-people-strategy-growth-engine-switches-gears?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:08 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi With local governments in China struggling to replenish their treasuries while facing growing public service obligations, Beijing is setting its sights on securing more tax revenue as a major reform goal for 2026 and the four years beyond. Compared with the previous five-year plan period’s emphasis on “tax and fee cuts”, the language in the draft of the full 15th five-year plan – released on Thursday – emphasised “maintaining a reasonable macro tax burden”. The document also pledged to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345619/chinas-new-5-year-plan-targets-tax-reform-local-governments-face-fiscal-strain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345619/chinas-new-5-year-plan-targets-tax-reform-local-governments-face-fiscal-strain?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:00:13 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has acknowledged it is no “easy task” to truly implement Hong Kong’s executive-led governance system, stressing that it must be a “shared responsibility” of the legislative and judicial branches and society as a whole. The state leader also urged the city to “grasp” the opportunities of China’s 15th five-year plan as he highlighted key areas such as quantum technology, aerospace and the low-altitude economy, while calling on local entrepreneurs to proactively... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:21:09 +0000 Coco Feng,Mia Nurmamat,Ann Cao Coco Feng,Mia Nurmamat,Ann Cao China’s policymakers want the digital economy to account for 12.5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030, as Beijing accelerates its push to build a modern industrial system anchored in advanced manufacturing. The goal represents a significant increase from the 10.5 per cent share achieved in 2025, which was announced on Thursday during the annual “two sessions” parliamentary meetings and exceeded the initial target. A large part of China’s digital economy – activities facilitated by data,... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345611/china-bets-ai-manufacturing-integration-narrow-digital-economy-gap-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345611/china-bets-ai-manufacturing-integration-narrow-digital-economy-gap-us?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:00:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Chinese Premier Li Qiang revealed in his work report to the annual session of the National People’s Congress a growth target of 4.5-5 per cent, compared with around 5 per cent for 2025. It will have to stay around that level for 10 years to achieve Beijing’s goal of turning China into a moderately developed country by 2035. The target, for the first year of the 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), has been set at a relatively moderate and realistic range to reflect the reality that externally, China... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345623/amid-external-uncertainties-china-steers-growth-and-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345623/amid-external-uncertainties-china-steers-growth-and-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Ben Jiang,Wency Chen Ben Jiang,Wency Chen China has pledged to provide a range of supportive measures to promote the diffusion of advanced technology through all levels of the country’s economy, as Beijing seeks to strengthen frontier industries such as artificial intelligence amid an intensifying rivalry with the United States. In its annual work report, the government urged state-owned enterprises to take the lead in opening their vast industrial ecosystems to emerging technologies, and vowed to supply the necessary funding for all... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345595/china-put-state-owned-firms-capital-work-nurturing-tech-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345595/china-put-state-owned-firms-capital-work-nurturing-tech-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:00:09 +0000 Vincent Chow,Wency Chen,Enoch Yiu Vincent Chow,Wency Chen,Enoch Yiu Beijing has emphasised the safe and orderly development of artificial intelligence amid growing global anxiety about the disruptive impact of the rapidly advancing technology, as the country’s leaders put the final stamp of approval on China’s next five-year plan at this year’s “two sessions”. The 15th five-year plan elevates China’s AI Plus initiative as a top national priority, according to a draft version of the document submitted for review to the National People’s Congress, China’s top... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3345586/chinas-five-year-plan-emphasises-orderly-ai-development-amid-global-tech-volatility?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3345586/chinas-five-year-plan-emphasises-orderly-ai-development-amid-global-tech-volatility?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:30:08 +0000 Jane Cai Jane Cai Beijing has set a relatively cautious yet pragmatic economic growth target for 2026 amid persistent domestic headwinds and escalating external pressures. A 4.5 to 5 per cent GDP growth target – the lowest since 1991 – was announced by Premier Li Qiang on Thursday at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature. In delivering his annual government work report, Li reaffirmed Beijing’s aim for stronger economic growth where conditions allowed. He emphasised... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345621/china-targets-lowest-growth-range-1991-realistic-move-pressures-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345621/china-targets-lowest-growth-range-1991-realistic-move-pressures-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:30:20 +0000 Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu President Xi Jinping urged China’s major provincial economies to take the lead in technological innovation and strengthen their resilience to external shocks over the next five years, as part of the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the country’s top legislature – which began in Beijing on Thursday. Addressing deputies from the eastern province of Jiangsu, Xi said the region should be at the forefront of developing “new quality productive forces” – the emerging industries... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345613/xi-jinping-calls-chinas-provincial-powerhouses-lead-tech-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345613/xi-jinping-calls-chinas-provincial-powerhouses-lead-tech-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:22:20 +0000 Yuanyue Dang,Amber Wang Yuanyue Dang,Amber Wang China has earmarked a 7 per cent increase in defence spending this year, keeping the growth rate largely stable even as the White House aims to ramp up expenditure for the military. In a budget released on Thursday at the start of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Beijing said it would allocate 1.91 trillion yuan (US$277 billion) for defence. The 7 per cent is a shade down from the 7.2 per cent rise last year but still above the 4.5 to 5 per cent GDP growth target set... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345588/china-keeps-defence-budget-growth-steady-modernisation-deadline-looms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345588/china-keeps-defence-budget-growth-steady-modernisation-deadline-looms?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Jianxi Liu Jianxi Liu China’s “two sessions” this year presents less of a story of an economic miracle than of transition: from high-speed to high-quality growth, and from dependence on external demand to a more resilient, innovation-driven economy. Against a backdrop of global tensions and fragmenting supply chains, Beijing is using this political moment to signal that it sees opportunity in adversity and is prepared to recalibrate its development model rather than cling to the habits of the boom years. For China,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3345552/chinas-two-sessions-show-plans-resilience-stormy-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3345552/chinas-two-sessions-show-plans-resilience-stormy-world?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:30:09 +0000 Dewey Sim Dewey Sim China is expanding its diplomatic budget by 9.3 per cent, the highest increase in three years, signalling Beijing’s plans to consolidate its geopolitical clout as instability mounts around the globe, according to analysts. The Ministry of Finance on Thursday proposed that 70.975 billion yuan (US$10.28 billion) be allocated for Beijing’s diplomatic spending in 2026, up 9.3 per cent from the previous year. It is the fifth consecutive year that China has increased its foreign affairs... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345590/china-boosts-diplomatic-budget-93-us-leaves-fiscal-void?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345590/china-boosts-diplomatic-budget-93-us-leaves-fiscal-void?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:11:24 +0000 Carol Yang Carol Yang As the United States grapples with mounting debt, China is doubling down on efforts to clean up its own balance sheet, vowing to tackle risks with “iron discipline”. The pledge came as the world’s second-largest economy weathers a years-long real estate slump and cooling domestic demand. Beijing faces growing pressure to balance short-term growth targets with longer-term deleveraging, as it seeks to transition to a more sustainable economy. In the government work report delivered on Thursday to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345587/china-pledges-iron-discipline-tackle-debt-risks-us-borrowing-under-trump-surges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345587/china-pledges-iron-discipline-tackle-debt-risks-us-borrowing-under-trump-surges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:00:11 +0000 Dannie Peng Dannie Peng The priorities outlined in drafts of China’s 2026 budget and next five-year plan overlap heavily with the ambitious projects championed by Elon Musk, including the Starlink constellation, electric vehicles, Neuralink interfaces and artificial intelligence. With Beijing allocating 426.42 billion yuan (US$61.7 billion) for the sector, it is positioning frontiers such as future energy, brain-computer interfaces and satellite internet as China’s future industries, with the nation doubling down on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345576/does-chinas-science-budget-boost-confirm-it-listening-everything-elon-musk-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345576/does-chinas-science-budget-boost-confirm-it-listening-everything-elon-musk-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:03:58 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma China set the lowest economic growth target since 1991 as the country contends with global trade tensions, weak domestic demand and rising debt from white elephant investments. A target range for growth of 4.5 to 5 per cent, “while striving for better in practice” was announced by Premier Li Qiang as he delivered the annual government work report on the opening day of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the annual legislative gathering. That marks a reduction from “around 5 per cent” in each... https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345566/chinas-growth-target-cut-reflects-pragmatism-amid-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345566/chinas-growth-target-cut-reflects-pragmatism-amid-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:45:18 +0000 Coco Feng Coco Feng China’s top semiconductor executives have called for a nationwide push to build a domestic alternative to Dutch chip-equipment giant ASML, urging the industry to “abandon illusions and prepare for struggle” amid US sanctions. The current industry was too “small, fragmented and weak”, which was “dispersing numerous public resources”, according to an article co-authored by the co-founder of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and leaders of Empyrean, Yangtze Memory... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345557/top-chip-leaders-urge-national-drive-build-chinas-asml-amid-us-curbs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345557/top-chip-leaders-urge-national-drive-build-chinas-asml-amid-us-curbs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:32:07 +0000 Sylvia Ma,Carol Yang Sylvia Ma,Carol Yang China will set priorities for technological innovation, economic security, public well-being and carbon reduction over the next five years, vowing to lay a solid foundation for its 2035 target of doubling per capita gross domestic product from 2020 levels. The world’s second-largest economy will release 20 growth targets, including both binding and non-binding ones, in areas covering the economy, technology, healthcare and economic security, Premier Li Qiang said when outlining the broad strokes... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345525/china-step-tech-energy-and-decarbonisation-efforts-next-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345525/china-step-tech-energy-and-decarbonisation-efforts-next-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:54:25 +0000