As China holds its two sessions — the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee — global markets are watching closely. These high-level meetings set the course for China’s policies, from economic strategy to technological aspirations, ensuring that the nation remains on track for sustained and inclusive growth.

Despite external headwinds, including a renewed unilateral United States trade war and global economic uncertainties, China’s target of around 5 percent GDP growth for 2025 is not only achievable but also sustainable in the long run.

Unlike aging economies in the West and parts of Asia, which resemble elderly individuals struggling to maintain momentum, China is more like a vigorous young person — full of potential, adaptability, dreams and resilience. The key to its success lies in structural reforms, technological innovation, cultural revitalization, and a strategic shift toward high-quality development.

Structural reforms: A foundation for stability

China’s deepening economic and financial reforms ensure that its growth remains balanced, sustainable, and resilient. The visionary and decisive government continues to implement policies that boost domestic consumption as the primary growth driver, reduce dependence on investment-heavy and export-led models, and enhance property-market stability, while preventing risks from overspeculation and excessive local government debt, strengthening social welfare and pensions, giving households greater confidence to spend rather than save excessively, and modernizing financial markets, making capital allocation more efficient and reducing reliance on shadow banking.

These reforms shift the economy toward long-term stability rather than short-term stimuli, ensuring a robust foundation for future growth.

I&T: new growth engines

China is firmly positioning itself at the forefront of global technology, driving new industries that will define the world economy. For instance: artificial intelligence (AI) and 6G development. With China leading in AI patents and investing billions of dollars in 6G networks, its digital economy is set to outpace global rivals in green technologies and renewable energy. China already dominates 60 percent of the global EV market, leads in solar panel exports, and is pioneering next-generation battery storage solutions. In advanced manufacturing and automation: The rise of robotics, industrial AI, and high-end semiconductor production moves China beyond mass production into value-added, high-tech exports.

These sectors will not only drive higher productivity but also create millions of high-income jobs, boosting domestic consumption and long-term growth.

While Western economies and aging Asian neighbors struggle to squeeze out minimal growth, China — still in its economic youth — has decades of potential ahead. With strong and wise governance, relentless innovation, nonstop reforms and cultural resilience, China is not just chasing 5 percent growth — it is laying the foundation for sustained prosperity well into the future

Cultural renaissance: a soft power and economic force

Economic strength isn’t just about infrastructure and industry — it’s also about cultural influence and digital economy growth. China’s cultural resurgence fuels economic energy in several ways:

Global popularity of Chinese digital content: Platforms like TikTok, WeTV, and iQIYI are shaping global entertainment trends, driving export revenues from digital services.

The creative and cultural industry boom: The rise of homegrown brands in fashion, gaming, and film strengthens China’s position as a cultural powerhouse.

The tourism and heritage revival: Investments in heritage tourism, museums, and cultural parks boost both local economies and international engagement.

This cultural self-confidence attracts global talent and investors, positioning China as a leader not just in industry but also in global soft power.

Revitalizing tourism: a boon for growth and global diplomacy

China’s visa-free entry policy for multiple countries and aggressive tourism promotions are set to revive the sector, generating massive economic spillovers: boosting spending in hotels, airlines, and retail industries; creating millions of jobs, particularly in rural and underserved areas; and strengthening global diplomacy, as tourism fosters people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding.

Tourism is not just an economic tool — it is China’s way of telling its story to the world, debunking biased narratives, and fostering goodwill while driving economic gains.

Urbanization and infrastructure megaprojects: A catalyst for growth

China’s rapid urbanization continues to be a key driver of economic expansion:

High-speed rail and smart cities: China now has the largest high-speed rail network in the world, reducing logistics costs and increasing labor mobility.

New urban clusters: Megacity projects like the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are integrating regions into high-tech economic zones.

Infrastructure diplomacy: The Belt and Road Initiative is evolving into high-quality, sustainable projects, strengthening China’s trade and investment ties.

These investments increase productivity, connect economic hubs, and ensure long-term economic resilience.

China’s shift to high-quality development

Moving beyond labor-intensive industries, China is embracing a high-tech, high-quality economic model by encouraging deep-tech innovation in fields like biotech, quantum computing, and aerospace; developing sophisticated financial markets, supporting startups and SMEs; and advancing “common prosperity”, ensuring that growth benefits all social classes.

This transition is about more than just GDP — it’s about improving quality of life and long-term economic stability.

Conclusion: China’s future is bright

While Western economies and aging Asian neighbors struggle to squeeze out minimal growth, China — still in its economic youth — has decades of potential ahead. With strong and wise governance, relentless innovation, nonstop reforms and cultural resilience, China is not just chasing 5 percent growth — it is laying the foundation for sustained prosperity well into the future.

China’s inspirational economic growth story is far from over. In many ways, it is shaping the future of the global economy for decades to come.

The author is an economics and politics analyst, an award-winning columnist of the Philippine Star and Abante newspapers, a college teacher, book author, poet, real estate entrepreneur, and moderator of the Pandesal Forum.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.