Xi Jinping Affirms China's Economic Resilience Amidst External Pressures at Central Economic Work Conference

Introduction to the Central Economic Work Conference

Beijing, China – President Xi Jinping recently asserted that attempts to 'choke' China's economic progress would ultimately fail, emphasizing the nation's inherent resilience and unwavering development trajectory. His remarks were delivered during the annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), held from December 10 to 11, 2025, in Beijing, where China's top leadership convened to chart the economic course for the upcoming year.

President Xi's Stance on Economic Resilience

During his significant address, President Xi reviewed the country's economic performance and analyzed the current global economic landscape. He stated, 'It has been proven in practice that efforts to choke China cannot succeed,' highlighting China's significant technological advancements and its ability to navigate external pressures. This declaration underscored Beijing's resolve to maintain its development path despite prolonged global economic and technological confrontations.

Key Economic Priorities for 2026

The CEWC, attended by senior Communist Party leaders including Premier Li Qiang, outlined several key priorities for China's economic work in 2026. A central theme was the commitment to strengthening the economy against persistent external challenges. The conference emphasized a demand-driven approach, aiming to build a robust domestic market to bolster the economy. Policy signals pointed towards a continuation of 'more proactive fiscal policy' and a 'moderately loose monetary policy' to support growth.

Focus on Innovation and New Growth Drivers

Innovation-driven growth was highlighted as a crucial pillar for China's long-term development strategy. The CEWC readout detailed plans to:

• Strengthen education, technology, and talent development.
• Expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Upgrade industrial chains.
• Improve governance of emerging technologies.

The meeting also called for accelerating the cultivation and growth of new economic drivers and establishing major international science and technology innovation centers in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Conclusion and Outlook

The Central Economic Work Conference concluded with a clear message of confidence and stability, reaffirming China's commitment to high-quality development and its unique modernization path. The directives issued are expected to guide economic policy for 2026, marking the initial year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), as China seeks to navigate both domestic challenges and an increasingly complex international landscape.