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China sets 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5%–5%, its lowest since 1991

Thursday, March 5, 2026Business & MarketsWell-covered4 frames

The Facts

  • China set its 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5% to 5%.
  • The 4.5%–5% target is China’s lowest growth target since 1991.
  • The growth target was announced at the opening of the National People’s Congress, part of China’s annual major political meetings in Beijing.
  • Premier Li Qiang presented the target in an annual government work report delivered at the National People’s Congress.
  • China released details of its 15th five-year plan covering 2026–2030 during the same political gathering.
  • The five-year plan emphasizes boosting self-reliance in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
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Context

Who announced the 2026 growth target, and where was it delivered?

Premier Li Qiang announced the 4.5%–5% target in the government work report delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People NBC News NYT.

What else did China release alongside the annual growth target?

Alongside the target, China released details of the 15th five-year plan for 2026–2030, outlining policy priorities including greater self-reliance in advanced technologies Winnipeg Free Press BBC.

Why is the 2026 target notable compared with recent years?

Multiple outlets reported it is the lowest growth target since 1991 and represents a step down from the “around 5%” targets used in recent years BBC NBC News.

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Wire services (11)

APDaily Mail OnlineKey takeaways from China's new 5-year economic blueprint and...
APWinnipeg Free PressKey takeaways from China's new 5-year economic blueprint and...
AP9NEWSKey takeaways from China's new 5-year economic blueprint and...
APThe TelegraphChina unveils five-year plan to 'dominate' AI, tech race; hi...
ReutersReutersChina's parliament rolls out economic, political blue-print;...
ReutersReutersVIEW China sets 2026 growth target at 4.5%-5%, below last ye...
APThe Japan TimesChina signals tolerance for slower growth with 4.5%-5% targe...
ReutersReutersChina parliament to approve growth, policy plans amid growin...
ReutersInvesting.comChina poised to trim growth ambitions, pursue timid rebalanc...
ReutersReutersChina poised to trim growth ambitions, pursue timid rebalanc...
ReutersReutersExplainer: What to watch for in China's 2026-2030 five-year ...

Independent coverage (50)

La JornadaLa Jornada: Asamblea china analiza metas para 2026; prevé su...
AdnkronosCGTN: How China sets stage for strong start to its next Five...
Economic TimesGlobal Market | Economic reality check: China sets lowest gr...
China DailyLower growth target signals China's pivot toward domestic de...
CNBCBeijing has set its most unambitious growth target in decade...
China DailyIMF welcomes China's consumption push in draft 15th FYP, see...
The Manila timesGlobal Times: China sets 4.5-5% GDP growth target for 2026 w...
UPIChina lowers GDP growth target to 4.5-5% amid economic slowd...
Bloomberg BusinessChina's AI Nightmare Is an Out-of-Control Welfare State
China DailyChina's economic growth plans seen as beneficial to entire r...
The Wall Street JournalOpinion | China Admits It Has an Economic Problem
Zero HedgeChina Guides Down: Beijing Drops Economic Growth Target To L...
WWDChina Sets 4.5 to 5 Percent 2026 Growth Target, Outlines Ret...
Global Times 环球时报英文版China sets 4.5-5% GDP growth target for 2026 while striving ...
The Star China to boost tech self-reliance in next five years as riva...
News18China's Economy Is Slowing And Beijing Is Admitting It: Here...
MoneyControlChina's 2026 growth target drops below 5% for the first time...
China DailyA new chapter begins in the 15th Five-Year Plan
Economic TimesChina ramps up 'high stakes' tech race with US as economic i...
mintExplained: China unveils next five-year plan: GDP target, te...
China DailyProsperity comes with responsibility
The StatesmanCongress warns against complacency as China lowers long-term...
China DailyExpanding domestic demand a crucial task
SwarajyamagChina Lowers GDP Growth Target Below 5 Per Cent For First Ti...
The IndependentChina sets lowest growth target in over 30 years as economy ...
Bloomberg BusinessChina Makes Stability Top Task in Volatile World Shook by Tr...
The Express TribuneChina targets 'quality growth' with 'realistic' GDP goal
cnbctv18.comChina ramps up 'high stakes' tech race with US as economic i...
Bloomberg BusinessChina Shows It's Going All In on Technologies of the Future
The Irish TimesChina sets lowest economic growth forecast for 35 years
Daily Mail OnlineFive facts about China's Five-Year Plan
NewsBytesChina sets lowest GDP growth target in 35 years
Republic WorldChinese Parliament Rolls Out Economic, Political Blueprint: ...
The Straits TimesChina to boost tech self-reliance in next 5 years as rivalry...
Hindustan TimesChina Signals New Era of Slower Economic Growth
Bangkok PostChina sets lowest growth target in decades
Daily SabahChina unveils five-year plan to 'dominate' AI, tech race
Taegan Goddard's Political WireChina Signals New Era of Slower Economic Growth
RTE.ieChina sets growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026
Al Jazeera OnlineChina economic growth target set below 5% for the first time...
The Sydney Morning HeraldChina's latest blueprint aims to close US technology gap and...
The AgeChina's latest blueprint aims to close US technology gap and...
The News InternationalChina targets tech innovations amid high stakes rivalry with...
China DailyChina targets 4.5-5% GDP growth
Daily Mail OnlineChina sets lowest growth target in decades as consumption la...
France 24China sets lowest growth target in decades as consumption la...
BBCChina sets lowest economic growth target since 1991
The West AustralianChina rolls out new economic and political blueprint
The News InternationalChina grapples with slowest economic growth in decades amid ...
Global Times 环球时报英文版4.5%-5%: Understanding the 'progress' and 'stability' in Chi...
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