BEIJING, Feb 27 - China’s highest-level policymaking body signalled the need for stronger, better-coordinated economic policies, saying authorities should pursue more proactive and effective measures to support growth and stability.
The Politburo asked for continuation of a more proactive fiscal policy alongside a moderately accommodative monetary stance, according to a summary of its meeting released by state channels. Discussions also covered actions to stabilise employment, support enterprises, steady markets and cultivate a robust domestic market.
Official figures show the country’s $19 trillion economy expanded by 5.0% in 2025, meeting the government’s stated growth objective. The statement noted that this performance came even as external political pressure - including efforts by a second Trump White House to slow China’s expansion - prompted Beijing to step up shipments elsewhere to compensate for subdued domestic consumption.
However, the Politburo acknowledged limits to that export-led adjustment. Economists cited in the meeting summary warned that relying on redirected shipments to offset soft consumer demand will become increasingly difficult to sustain over time.
The leadership said it will press ahead with deeper reforms in key parts of the economy while also seeking to broaden new drivers of growth. The Politburo emphasised raising self-reliance in science and technology to high levels as a strategic priority.
The published summary did not identify the specific sectors where reforms would be carried out or where the new growth drivers will be targeted, leaving those details unclear for now. In addition to policy direction, the Politburo reviewed a draft outline of the country’s forthcoming economic and social development five-year plan and examined a draft government work report that is slated for submission to the national legislature when it convenes for its annual session in March.
With the meeting framing both immediate policy settings and broader planning documents, officials appear to be balancing short-term stabilisation aims with planning for medium-term structural change. Yet the lack of sector-level detail and the warning about the limits of export substitution underscore ongoing uncertainties for businesses and markets as Beijing refines its approach.