China's CPC Central Committee Sets Economic Agenda for Second Half of 2025, Prioritizing Stability and Progress

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Ding Xuexiang, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended a symposium where Li Qiang reported on the economic work of the first half of the year and presented considerations for the second half. The meeting stressed that macro policies should continue to be forceful and timely in their application.

Several key areas were highlighted for the second half of the year, including effectively releasing domestic demand potential, deepening reform, stabilizing foreign trade and investment, and continuously preventing and resolving risks in key areas. The Chinese economy reportedly maintained stable operation under pressure in the first half of the year, achieving a growth rate of 5.3%.

The meeting also discussed the formulation of the "15th Five-Year Plan" (2026-2030), highlighting the critical period for achieving socialist modernization and addressing complex changes in the development environment. Preparations for the plan indicate a focus on nurturing endogenous growth drivers, stabilizing key sectors, and prudently navigating external complexities.

Implications of the economic work for the second half of 2025 are far-reaching, affecting industry, society, and politics. For industry, continued support for strategic sectors such as technology innovation, advanced manufacturing, and green industries is expected. A push for internal drivers of growth, through expanding domestic demand and investing in research and development, may accelerate digital transformation across sectors and encourage a shift towards higher-value production.

The emphasis on stability and progress aims to secure employment and improve livelihoods. Policies focusing on expanding domestic demand and supporting enterprise development are crucial for job creation. However, addressing inequality remains a challenge, with potential measures including regional development initiatives and targeted poverty alleviation programs.

Politically, the repeated emphasis on "stability" and "bottom-line thinking" underscores the leadership's priority of maintaining social and economic stability. Economic policies will be closely aligned with the Party's long-term strategic objectives. The acknowledgement of "drastic changes in the international situation" and "external pressures" indicates that economic policy will continue to be implemented within a complex geopolitical context.

As the Chinese government navigates the complexities of the second half of 2025, its economic work will be guided by key entities and principles, including the Central Political Bureau, local governments, private enterprises, and traditional industries. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era serves as the guiding ideology, while seeking progress while maintaining stability and accelerating the construction of a new development pattern are overarching principles.

While official news reports and government statements dominate the discussion on the economic work for the second half of 2025, a closer examination of specific economic issues and less formal search terms may reveal a more nuanced picture of public reactions and sentiment.