Chinese premier stresses fulfilling full-year development targets

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday called for efforts to fulfill the country's annual economic and social development targets, thereby ensuring a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Li made the remarks at a plenary meeting of the State Council, which he presided over.

He said that since the beginning of 2026, China's economy has remained generally stable while making steady progress, showing strong resilience and vitality, with new growth drivers emerging and the economic structure continuing to improve.

However, insufficient domestic demand remains a prominent issue, Li said, adding that some industries and enterprises are facing increasing difficulties, and uncertainties in the external environment are rising.

To meet its development goals, the country must make full use of existing policies while promptly rolling out practical and effective new ones, the premier said.

He also stressed the need to clear bottlenecks and obstacles to promote sustained economic development driven by innovation, quality and efficiency.

With this year marking the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, efforts must be made to advance major projects and harness the plan's guiding role to drive progress across all sectors, Li said.

It is essential to keep the economy operating steadily and fully unlock the potential of domestic demand, he added.

To this end, he called for accelerating the construction of water networks, new-type power grids, computing infrastructure, new-generation communications networks, urban underground pipelines, and logistics systems.

Li also called for coordinated efforts to boost investment in human capital and stimulate consumption.

He said that private investment should be vigorously expanded, with greater support for investment in emerging industries, new infrastructure and consumption upgrading.

On overseas demand, Li called for active measures to keep it stable and maintain balanced trade development.

Additionally, he urged stronger support for emerging pillar industries and industries of the future, while emphasizing the continued transformation and upgrading of traditional industries.

On safeguarding people's livelihoods, Li said that it is important to ensure stable employment, increase incomes and improve public services.