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China’s fourth plenum

China’s fourth plenum
The Chinese Communist Party is expected to hold its fourth plenum of the 20th Party Congress in October 2025, a much-anticipated meeting where the country’s leaders will discuss China’s next five-year plan, with the economic blueprint likely to emphasise income and gross domestic product growth, the upgrading of industry and technological innovation.
National retail sales grew by 3.7 per cent in 2025, below the 5 per cent GDP growth rate. Beijing has made boosting consumer spending a top policy priority in recent years, though results have been mixed. Photo: Xinhua
China consumption

China’s consumer spending push faces major challenge – debt-averse households

Beijing has renewed its focus on boosting domestic demand in recent months, but households are cutting debt at fastest pace in years.

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Banking & finance

China signals flexible use of monetary tools in 2026 to support 5-year plan

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Yuan

What China’s global yuan push looks like – and what could hold it back

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China GDP

China’s powerhouse province targets doubling GDP by 2035 – but can it deliver?

Southern province in Greater Bay Area has fallen short of national average since 2021, but new proposals pin hope on hi-tech industries.

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An aerial drone photo taken on March 12, 2024, shows Guangzhou in south China’s Guangdong province. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to sharpen competitive edge by applying plenum’s guidance: John Lee

Chinese Academy of Sciences chief Hou Jianguo also calls for city to leverage its strengths and become hub for high-quality talent and research.

Hong Kong politics

China’s top science academy chief to promote plenum spirit at Hong Kong seminar

Fourth plenum proposed the core features of the coming 15th five-year plan, which covers the years from 2026 to 2030.

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China economy

Opinion | 15th five-year plan charts a course for China’s modernisation

By building on past successes and shoring up areas of weakness, China can lay firm foundations to achieve socialist modernisation.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

How Xi’s ongoing battle against PLA corruption shapes China’s military future

The fight against graft in the armed forces is set to become one of the national priorities for the next five years.

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Mainland China

China’s 15th five-year plan

The approved outline for China’s 15th five-year plan highlights efforts to spur domestic consumption, boost technological self-sufficiency and further raise the nation’s industrial competitiveness. The plan will come into effect in 2026.

US-China relations

Opinion | How Russia factors into the Trump-Xi summit outcome

A limited detente with the US helps China safeguard its domestic policy goals and hedge against potential instability in Russia.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the Communist Party’s general secretary, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting Zhaoxing, Guizhou province, on March 17. Photo: Xinhua
Yuan

Why China’s growing global investments could spur yuan internationalisation push

As firms expand overseas, rising investment demand and appetite for yuan assets and swap agreements may prompt Beijing to take action.

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One hundred yuan bill with a flag of China. Photo: Shutterstock
China economy

Opinion | To become a developed nation, China must still prioritise manufacturing

The question is not whether manufacturing endures, but how Beijing can turn its industrial might into productivity growth across all sectors.

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China manufacturing

China warns against abandoning traditional sectors in economic transition

‘New quality productive forces’ drive does not mean casting traditional industries aside, party journal says, urging localities to be prudent.

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China manufacturing

Factories first: why China is determined to shield manufacturing from decline

Reversing deindustrialisation is notoriously difficult, making industrial protection a top priority, official publication says.

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Workers at the Seres Super Factory in Liangjiang New Area, southwest China’s Chongqing on September 19. Photo: Xinhua
Corruption in China

PLA urged to ‘live a tight life’ as top officials elaborate on 5-year plan

Senior Chinese general calls for cutting training, management and equipment support costs while improving procurement.

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A foot formation marches through Tiananmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3. Photo: Xinhua
China economy

Opinion | Forget property boom times. China is quietly focusing on ‘good houses’

The proposed 15th five-year plan signals that the sector should transition from high turnover and leverage to product quality and steady margins.

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Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

China’s top general vows to crack down on ‘fake loyalty’ and ‘two-faced men’

Zhang Youxia calls for military to eliminate ‘poisonous influences and long-standing problems’ and to accelerate weapons development.

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Taiwan

Editorial | On Taiwan, the ‘one-China principle’ is the bottom line

Beijing’s designation of October 25 as a day to commemorate Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty sends a telling message.

People walk past the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, on April 7. An official commentary published by Xinhua stated that after peaceful reunification, Taiwan’s current social system and way of life would be fully respected. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China trade war

How China’s industry fuels ‘tough’ trade war stance – and why demand still vital

Beijing will look to strengthen leverage in coming five-year plan – but must recalibrate strategy to boost domestic demand, economist says.

China economy

Video | China’s leaders call for self-reliance amid ‘raging storms’

In a 5,000-word document, the ruling Communist Party’s Central Committee stresses tech upgrades, security and domestic demand to guard against headwinds over the next five years.

China economy

China’s 15th five-year plan: market reforms and opening up

This is the second in an SCMP Plus series annotating different parts of China’s five-year plan recommendations. The focus is on market reforms and opening up.

China’s 15th five-year plan: market reforms and opening up
Hong Kong society

Editorial | Hong Kong can look forward to new chapter under 15th five-year plan

As its integration with the mainland deepens, Hong Kong must leverage its strengths and seize the opportunities offered in the nation’s latest development blueprint.

People take in the sunset at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Hong Kong on October 15. Photo: Sam Tsang
China food security

Opinion | China’s next power move is as much in the fields as in factories

The attention to agriculture at China’s fourth plenum only reinforces a growing focus on food security as a policy priority.

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China's military weapons

China’s next 5-year plan aims to narrow nuclear gap with US and Russia: analysts

Beijing’s proposed national blueprint links strategic forces with the global balance for the first time.

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China economy

China’s 15th five-year plan: industry and technology

This is the first in an SCMP Plus series annotating different parts of China’s five-year plan recommendations. The focus is on industry and technology.

China’s 15th five-year plan: industry and technology
China economy

Xi readies China for endless tech war ahead of Trump meeting

Technological self-reliance was a key focus of recommendations for China’s 15th five-year plan issued as Xi Jinping and Donald Trump prepare to meet on Thursday.

Photo: Xinhua
China’s Communist Party

China’s 15th five-year plan proposal: official English translation

The 20th Central Committee of China’s Communist Party adopted a recommendation for formulating the country’s 15th five-year plan. Below is the official translation of the full Chinese text released by Xinhua.

China economy

China sets ‘technological self-reliance’ as a key goal for the next 5 years

Proposal sets out tech target for the first time in at least a decade, with the aim to make ‘rapid breakthroughs in key technologies’.

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