China prioritizes quality-led growth, says political analyst

chinadaily.com.cn Updated: 2026-03-10

Radhika Desai, a professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada, said China's aim for a GDP growth rate of 4.5 to 5 percent in 2026 could be seen as "very high" compared to most other economies, adding that China values the quality of growth rather than pure expansion.

"Chinese planners understand what they are doing very well," she said. "All of this is judged in light of the ultimate goal, which is always to constantly deliver and improve the living standards of Chinese people."

Copyright © The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China. All Rights Reserved. Presented by China Daily.