China's Bold Economic Strategy for 2026: A Proactive Shift

In 2026, China will implement more proactive fiscal and monetary policies to boost domestic demand, aiming for around 5% growth. Challenges like weak consumer demand and excess factory capacity persist despite stabilizing ties with the U.S. The focus will shift towards supporting household consumption and rebalancing the economy.

China plans to further expand domestic demand and bolster the broader economy with proactive policies in 2026, according to reports from China's top decision-making body, the Politburo, as cited by state media Xinhua.

Emphasizing a 'more proactive fiscal policy' and 'appropriately loose monetary policy,' the approach suggests a high budget deficit, increased debt issuance, and further rate cuts to reach the predicted growth target of around 5%. China's priority will be to stabilize jobs, firms, markets, and expectations, aiming for a robust start to the next five-year plan.

With the world's second-largest economy on track to fulfill its growth target for this year, challenges remain, including a prolonged property slump and weak consumer demand. Despite a trade truce with the U.S., Chinese manufacturers continue diversifying their export markets toward Southeast Asia and other emerging regions. The annual Central Economic Work Conference will soon set crucial growth goals and policy plans for the coming year, integral to Beijing's efforts for a stable start to the new five-year plan.

(With inputs from agencies.)