China will set lower growth target for 2026 as economy slows, SCMP says

China plans to set a lower economic growth target for 2026, ranging from 4.5% to 5%, down from around 5% in 2025, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This decision reflects ongoing economic slowdown signs and was likely agreed upon during a planning conference in December. The official announcement will be made at the National People’s Congress in March. China's GDP grew by 5% in 2025, driven by record exports, but the growth model is becoming unsustainable amid rising global protectionism and local government debt risks.