China bets on AI, robots and consumption as Two Sessions set lowest growth target since 1991
Mar 10th 2026
Beijing signaled a shift toward advanced technology and stronger domestic demand at the annual Two Sessions while setting a modest 2026 growth target, sketching policy priorities for the next five years and signaling diplomatic moves with Europe, the US and Japan.
- NPC sets a 2026 GDP target of about 4.5–5 percent, the lowest official goal since 1991.
- Beijing launched the 15th Five-Year Plan aiming to double 2020 GDP by 2035 and prioritize AI, humanoid robotics and green energy.
- The government stressed boosting household consumption but did not announce a significantly larger fiscal stimulus.
- Officials pledged coordinated investment in computing infrastructure to strengthen digital and intelligent development.
- Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China seeks closer ties with the EU and US while criticizing Japan over Taiwan and raised the possibility of a Xi–Trump meeting.
- Delegates will vote on March 12 to approve the budget, economic targets and the legislative agenda, formalizing policy for the year.
- Analysts warn official growth figures may overstate reality and that low household income share limits consumer recovery.