China

时政微观察丨为人民出政绩 以实干出政绩

China Daily | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

On January 20, 2026, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to deepen the study and implementation of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, aiming to unify thinking and concentrate efforts to ensure a successful start to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan prioritizes economic development-centered, high-quality growth amid a complex environment of risks and opportunities. Xi stressed the importance of leadership at all levels improving political judgment and execution, noting the Party Central Committee’s unified leadership is essential for steady and successful economic progress.

The seminar for provincial- and ministerial-level leading cadres underscored adhering to the Party’s major strategies, policies, and economic tasks outlined in the 2025 Central Economic Work Conference. Initial 2026 measures include national subsidies, green consumption promotion, and expanded government financing guarantees to stimulate market vitality and support business entities. Xi highlighted the need for localities to pursue sustainable development tailored to their unique resources and conditions, advocating against one-size-fits-all approaches by encouraging efforts aligned with comparative advantages and local realities.

Xi called for a correct view of performance focused on tangible achievements that benefit the people, emphasizing that success is measured by public satisfaction and improvements in livelihoods. The Party prioritizes practical work that addresses the urgent needs of the population, from ecological protection along the Yangtze River to child-raising subsidies and major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public services and living environments. Local and central plans must align strategically while remaining adaptable to local circumstances to ensure effective implementation.

In the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, authorities are tasked with anchoring targets in concrete actions, with solid results serving to establish momentum for the broader goals of building Chinese-style modernization. The leadership underscores that practical work and execution are paramount for political success and the continued prosperity of the people.

Peoples Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

During the 14th Five Year Plan period (2021-25), China attracted over $700 billion in foreign investment, ranking first among developing countries. Foreign-funded enterprises have significantly contributed to China's high-level opening up and high-quality development, according to Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce, who spoke at the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment New Year Reception held in Beijing.

Ling Ji emphasized the stability and certainty of China's rapid economic growth, foreign investment policies, and trade relations, which create a favorable environment for foreign companies operating in China. The upcoming 15th Five Year Plan (2026-30) presents a development blueprint and an "opportunity list" for foreign enterprises, encouraging them to continue investing and expanding their presence in the Chinese market to share in growth opportunities.

Representatives at the event, including Sean Stein from the US-China Business Council and Jens Eskelund from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, expressed their commitment to supporting China's sustainable development and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation. Foreign-funded enterprises attending the reception also voiced confidence in China's market vitality and business environment improvements, indicating a willingness to increase long-term investment aligned with China's high-quality development goals.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

In 2025, Jiangsu Province in China recorded a total foreign trade value of 5.95 trillion yuan (849.8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6 percent increase from the previous year. This trade volume accounted for 13.1 percent of China's total import and export value.

Exports of mechanical and electrical products in Jiangsu grew by 11.6 percent year on year to 2.8 trillion yuan, making up 70.7 percent of the province's total exports. Specific sectors saw notable growth, with exports of electrical equipment reaching 239.96 billion yuan, up 18 percent, and ship exports hitting 142.75 billion yuan, increasing by 37 percent.

Jiangsu is home to nearly 43,000 foreign-invested enterprises, whose combined imports and exports totaled 2.78 trillion yuan in 2025, rising 6.2 percent from the previous year and representing 46.7 percent of the province's overall trade.

The province's international trade ties also expanded, with trade between Jiangsu and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative growing by 11.3 percent year on year to 2.98 trillion yuan in 2025.