Policymakers are expected to focus on longer-term initiatives to ensure the sustainable and resilient growth of the country's economy during this year's "Two Sessions" meetings, according to analysts.

Delegates from the SAR and around the country are in the capital this week for the annual National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference meetings, during which authorities will announce the GDP growth target for the world's second-largest economy for 2026.

The economy posted 5 percent growth in each of the past two years.

Carol Liao, a senior economist at Standard Chartered, told RTHK that Beijing will opt for a "more realistic and sustainable growth path".

"This year, the external environment is relatively more stable than last year, especially the tariff tension with the US. So this reduces the need to over-target growth," Liao said.

"At the same time, policymakers are clearly prioritising policy credibility and macro-stability. So a slightly lower but achievable target allows room for policymakers to remain supportive, but not relying on aggressive stimulus, while also supporting long-term growth agenda."

Zoon Ahmed Khan, a research fellow at the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, also believes quality and sustainable growth is key.

"The focus is more on resilience over just economic growth," Khan said.

"Even though the growth target is expected to be lower than last year, I think what the country is really trying to achieve is that the impact of that growth is much deeper... so that whatever growth is achieved can be something that the country can ensure they can withstand global shifts and global challenges, especially given trade wars and geopolitical conflicts."

Liao also stressed the need to boost domestic consumption.

"This is a long-term restructuring of the economy... to really rebalance China from over-relying on investment and exports to domestic demand," she said.

"It's shifting from the emergency-style stimulus towards a more normalised policy framework that balances growth support with financial stability and long-term reform."

And with 2026 marking the start of the country's latest development blueprint, Khan said China is seeking to be more connected with the rest of the world.

"One of the things that really stood out to me in the 15th Five-Year Plan... is how focused and how greatly the country is prioritising a more globalised society, attracting global talent more effectively and basically connecting in a more resilient way with the global economy, with emerging countries."



Edited by Edmond Fong