BEIJING, March 4, 2026 – The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) commenced today at the Great Hall of the People, setting in motion a critical legislative agenda that will shape China’s economic and social policies through 2030. As the country’s top legislative body convenes, delegates are poised to deliberate on landmark initiatives including the draft 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and a comprehensive environmental code.
Key agenda items include:
– Review of the government work report outlining 2025 achievements and 2026 priorities – Examination of the 2026 economic development plan and budget proposals – Landmark environmental legislation aimed at consolidating existing ecological protection laws – A new draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress – Updates to national development planning frameworks
The session gains particular significance as it marks the first year of implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide China’s transition toward high-quality development. Economic planners are expected to address global market uncertainties while maintaining the mainland’s projected 5% GDP growth target for 2026.
Legal experts highlight the proposed environmental code as a potential game-changer, creating unified standards for pollution control and carbon neutrality efforts. Meanwhile, the ethnic unity legislation aims to strengthen social cohesion through cultural preservation and equitable regional development strategies.
With over 2,900 delegates participating, the session will conclude with reviews of judicial reforms and legislative overhauls proposed by the Supreme People’s Court and Procuratorate.
