China announces its lowest economic growth target in over three decades, marking the weakest goal since 1991.

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 05 Mar 2026

China has cut its annual economic growth target to a range of 4.5%-5%, the lowest expansion goal since 1991 as it grapples with challenges both at home and abroad.

It is the first time the target has been lowered since it was cut to "around 5%" in 2023. A target was not set in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The details were released during China's biggest political gathering, known as the "two sessions", alongside the release of some details of the 15th Five Year Plan for the world's second largest economy.

Beijing aims to reshape its economy as it faces issues like weak consumption, a shrinking population, an ongoing property crisis, global trade tensions and an energy crunch due to the Iran war.

The event, which began on Wednesday and usually runs for at least a week, brings the country's leaders together for back-to-back meetings.

Details of China's gross domestic growth (GDP) target and its objectives under its latest Five Year Plan were included in a 46-page report published by Premier Li Qiang, 

Li told delegates that the Five Year Plan will include investments in innovation, high-tech industries, scientific research and more efforts to boost household consumption.

His comments underline Beijing's concerns that weak domestic consumption makes the country too reliant on exports for growth, as well as highlighting its ambitions to upgrade the country's manufacturing industries.

The report outlines plans for more than 100 major projects over the next five years to expand China's industrial capacity, with a focus on science and technology, transportation and energy.

China aims to lead a green energy push, reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental protection, Li wrote.

The country will also build a "childbirth-friendly society" and address concerns over employment, education and healthcare, the report said.

China faces an ageing population and falling birth rates, complicating Beijing's plans to boost its economy.