Premier Li acknowledges ‘difficulties and challenges’ as Beijing strives for 2035 economic goal
China’s National People’s Congress begins March 5 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The annual gathering sets the country’s economic and social policy agenda. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)
WATARU SUZUKI
March 5, 2026 09:29 JST
Updated on March 5, 2026 12:41 JST
BEIJING — China on Thursday lowered its gross domestic product growth target for 2026 to 4.5%-5%, a move analysts saw as a watershed as the government grapples with weak domestic demand and a volatile trade environment.