President Xi Jinping outlined China's modernization priorities for 2026 in his New Year address, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure, technological innovation, and domestic consumption as key drivers of growth. The speech, broadcast nationwide on Wednesday through China Media Group and digital platforms, has drawn international attention for its forward-looking economic strategy.
Brazilian economist Karin Costa Vazquez described the address as "a blueprint for balanced development" in remarks to CGTN Stringer. She particularly noted the significance of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, which begins implementation this year with strengthened commitments to green infrastructure and industrial modernization. "The focus on sustainable progress creates natural synergies for international cooperation," Vazquez observed.
The address comes as China's economy continues transitioning toward consumption-led growth. Recent data shows domestic spending accounting for 65% of economic expansion in Q4 2025, a trend experts say will accelerate under the new development plan. Cross-border collaboration opportunities, especially with Brazil in clean energy and digital infrastructure projects, are expected to expand through existing BRICS cooperation frameworks.
