China positions itself as force for global stability at its congress

Ken Moritsugu, MDT/AP

While much of the world’s attention is focused on the Iran war, China is pressing ahead with national priorities that carry global repercussions.

That doesn’t mean Beijing is ignoring the conflict and its potential impact on energy supplies and geopolitics. But for the world’s second-largest economy, its rivalry with the United States centers on a different contest – the race to develop the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the 21st century.

That message was reinforced in a five-year plan formally endorsed Thursday by the National People’s Congress at the end of its annual meeting, the country’s biggest political event of the year. China is doubling down on efforts to transform its economy and place itself at the forefront of technological innovation.

State media portrayed the strategy as a stabilizing force in an increasingly uncertain world.

“A stable and developing China injects more stability and certainty into a world fraught with change and turbulence,” the official People’s Daily said in a front-page column. Other state media echoed the message.

The commentaries avoided mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump, whose tariffs and military actions from Venezuela to Iran have unsettled the post-World War II international order. China publicly defends that system while calling for reforms that better reflect the interests of developing nations.

Trump is expected to visit Beijing in three weeks for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The Congress also approved three laws, including one governing ethnic minorities. Such votes are largely ceremonial and nearly unanimous, underscoring unity behind the Communist Party’s vision. The five-year plan passed with 2,758 votes in favor, one against and two abstentions.

“We are forging ahead at full speed in building a great country,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during the Congress.

The plan places technology at the center of China’s growth strategy. While many economists argue that Beijing should do more to boost consumer spending and reduce reliance on exports, the blueprint emphasizes investment in artificial intelligence, robotics and other advanced industries.

Premier Li Qiang set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026, giving the government room to focus on longer-term goals rather than hitting a higher short-term target.

On climate policy, the plan pledges to reduce “emissions intensity” – the amount of pollution produced relative to economic output – rather than cutting overall emissions. Analysts say the 17% intensity-reduction target could still allow emissions to rise as the economy grows.

China already leads the world in greenhouse gas emissions, though officials argue the country’s population and development needs must be considered when judging its environmental record.

The Congress also endorsed a sweeping ethnic minorities law emphasizing the creation of “a common consciousness of the Chinese nation.” Critics say it reinforces a policy of assimilation, while authorities say it promotes unity and shared development.

Meanwhile, proposals to improve work-life balance drew significant attention online. Among them were calls to establish a “right to rest,” including allowing employees to ignore work messages after hours. Economist Yu Miaojie proposed doubling the minimum annual leave from five to 10 days.

The popularity of such ideas reflects concerns about China’s intense workplace culture. Supporters say giving workers more leisure time could also help stimulate domestic consumption.