Chinese economic policymakers have unveiled plans to make expanding domestic demand the cornerstone of national development in 2026, building on this year's stable consumption trends that contributed 71% to GDP growth through September 2025.
Dual Approach to Consumption Growth
Officials from the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs outlined a two-pronged strategy for 2026:
1. Income Enhancement: Implementation of nationwide income growth plans, improved employment quality, and increased basic pensions to strengthen purchasing power 2. Market Innovation: Development of premium goods/services, new consumption scenarios like wellness tourism, and the "Buying in China" brand to attract international spending
Strategic Investment Framework
The 2026 blueprint emphasizes:
• Leveraging government bonds and special funds for infrastructure projects • Encouraging private sector participation in railways, nuclear energy, and high-tech sectors • Creating new investment channels through public-private partnerships
These measures aim to sustain China's economic momentum while addressing global market uncertainties, according to Xinhua's report.
