Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China"s top economic planner Photo: VCG

　　China"s 2026 GDP target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent growth while striving for better in practice was proposed based on comprehensive assessment and prudent judgment, and the country has a solid foundation to achieve this goal, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China"s top economic planner, said on Thursday.

　　Zheng made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People"s Congress on Thursday.

　　Notably, China"s GDP increment in 2026 will exceed 6 trillion yuan, equivalent to the annual GDP of a developed economy, which will provide strong support for stabilizing employment, improving people"s livelihoods and preventing risks, Zheng said.

　　China"s economic output has exceeded 140 trillion yuan, while globally notable innovation achievements have also improved people"s livelihoods. In addition, institutional strengths have effectively helped the country respond to various risks and challenges, Zheng noted. These three factors, he said, "give us the confidence and capability to address risks and market fluctuations from all sides and achieve our established and expected goals."

　　Zheng also noted that China remains clear-eyed that many difficulties and problems still exist in economic and social development, and that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, requiring solid implementation of the decisions made at the Central Economic Work Conference and the arrangements outlined in the Government Work Report.