China’s growth target cut reflects pragmatism amid challenges
South China Morning Post
by Brian Rhoads,Raymond MaMarch 5, 2026
China set the lowest economic growth target since 1991 as the country contends with global trade tensions, weak domestic demand and rising debt from white elephant investments.
A target range for growth of 4.5 to 5 per cent, “while striving for better in practice” was announced by Premier Li Qiang as he delivered the annual government work report on the opening day of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the annual legislative gathering. That marks a reduction from “around 5 per cent” in each...
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/5/2026