Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to intensify their role in advancing national development priorities, emphasizing their critical function in achieving Chinese modernization goals. The directive was delivered during a two-day meeting of central SOE leaders concluding Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
As general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi stressed the need for SOEs to align operations with the Party's strategic objectives. The call comes as China accelerates efforts to upgrade key industries amid global economic uncertainties.
Analysts note this directive reinforces SOEs' expected role in leading technological innovation and maintaining supply chain resilience. The development holds particular significance for international investors monitoring China's state sector reforms and their implications for Asian markets.
While specific implementation measures remain undisclosed, the emphasis on modernization suggests potential increased investment in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure projects across the Chinese mainland and Belt and Road partner nations.
