China Politburo Makes Boosting Domestic Demand Top Goal in 2026

China’s top leaders made strengthening domestic demand their top economic priority for 2026, while hinting at a measured approach to stimulus.

“We must adhere to domestic demand as the main driver and build a strong domestic market,” the Communist Party’s decision-making Politburo led by President Xi Jinping pledged during its December huddle. Authorities also vowed to grow “new productive forces,” according to the official readout, suggesting strong measures to curtail manufacturing were unlikely at least in some key sectors.

Top leaders pledged to strengthen “cross-cyclical” policy adjustments — the first time that phrase signaling longer-term planning ...