Overview
- Xi Jinping sought to reassure the public in a Sept. 30 Beijing reception by saying China’s economy has shown “strong resilience and vitality” despite mounting pressures.
- Official reporting shows GDP growth eased to 4.3% in the second quarter, down from 5.0% in the first quarter and the weakest quarterly expansion since late 2022.
- Xi called for practical steps to protect livelihoods and promote innovation-driven, higher-quality development to meet this year’s targets and secure a strong start to the 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026–2030).
- He used the national-occasion platform to reinforce the Communist Party’s role in national rejuvenation, press for deeper cross‑Strait exchanges while opposing Taiwan independence, and promise support for Hong Kong and Macao under One Country, Two Systems.
- The address set a political and policy tone rather than announcing new fiscal or monetary measures, which could shape market and business expectations about whether Beijing will follow with concrete stimulus or rely on structural, innovation-focused reforms.