Highlights of 2026 Government Work Report

The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 5, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- China targets an economic growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year and will strive for better in practice, according to a government work report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation.

Here are some highlights from the report. Main targets for 2026:

- China sets 2026 economic growth target at 4.5 percent to 5 percent

- China aims to create over 12 million new urban jobs in 2026

- China sets CPI growth target of around 2 percent for 2026

- China sets deficit-to-GDP ratio at around 4 percent for 2026

- Personal income growth in step with economic growth

- A basic equilibrium in the balance of payments

- Grain output of around 700 million metric tons

- A reduction of around 3.8 percent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP

The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 5, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

China to build world-class sci-tech innovation engines

China will build three international centers for sci-tech innovation and turn them into world-class innovation engines, according to the government work report.

China to open wider to outside world

China will open wider to the outside world, according to the government work report. Efforts will be made to expand market access and open up more areas, particularly in the service sector, the report said.

China to accelerate green transition, cut carbon emissions

China will accelerate the green transition across the board and cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by a total of 17 percent in the 2026-2030 period, according to the government work report.

The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 5, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

China vows resolute fight against 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces

China has pledged to resolutely fight separatist forces aimed at "Taiwan independence" and oppose external interference, according to the government work report.

China to resolutely oppose hegemonism, power politics

China will resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, and uphold international fairness and justice, according to the government work report. China will stay committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to peaceful development, and will expand its global network of partnerships.