Here's Why Here's Why China's Five-Year Plan Matters
Oct 17, 2025
Jenni Marsh, leading Bloomberg's coverage of China's economy and government, dives into the intricacies of China's upcoming five-year plan. She discusses the significant economic challenges like post-pandemic disruptions and the property crisis. Marsh explains how the planning has evolved from strict targets to broader objectives. Key priorities include a focus on high-tech sectors and addressing youth unemployment. She also touches on how trade policies may adjust amidst global tensions, revealing insights into China's future direction.
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China's Weak Economic Starting Point
- China's economy entered the new plan period weakened by COVID, a multi-year property collapse, and deflationary pressure.
- Exports remain a lone bright spot but face political and trade pressure from the US and other countries.
Plans Moved From Numbers To Broad Goals
- Five-year plans shifted from specific numeric targets to broader strategic objectives since the 2000s.
- The last plan removed a formal GDP target and emphasized long-term goals like 'socialist modernization by 2035.'
Watch The Politburo's Finalization Stage
- The five-year plan process gathers input from Xi, provincial leaders, and public submissions before Politburo finalization.
- Expect the fourth plenum to formalize decisions that are already largely settled behind closed doors.