China confident of achieving 4.5-5% growth target as reforms deepen

China's economic growth target of at least 4.5 to 5 percent this year is both a practical and proactive goal, reflecting the country's growth potential while leaving room to navigate uncertainties, and China is fully confident of "striving for better in practice", said a senior official on Thursday.

While the external economic environment has become increasingly complex and challenging, the target of striving for better in practice is achievable, said Shen Danyang, head of the drafting group for the Government Work Report and director of the Research Office of the State Council.

"The economic growth target for this year is well aligned with the country's long-term objectives through 2035. In setting this target, both domestic and international conditions have been carefully considered," Shen said at a news conference in Beijing, emphasizing that the goal also leaves room for structural adjustments, risk prevention and reform.

This target is consistent with both domestic and global expectations, and ranks among the highest growth goals set by major economies around the world, Shen added.

The official further explained that setting a target range allows local authorities to tailor their growth goals to local conditions, while helping guide efforts across the board toward high-quality development.

Meanwhile, China has set its 2026 consumer price index (CPI) growth target at around 2 percent, the same as last year, according to the Government Work Report.

"CPI has gradually stabilized in 2025, suggesting price momentum is improving," said Chen Changsheng, deputy director of the Research Office of the State Council. "Achieving this target will require a coordinated package of policies to continue gaining traction," he added, noting that the country will step up efforts this year to boost domestic demand and curb involution-style competition.

Despite greater-than-expected uncertainties in economic operations, China's economy has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality, with its structure continuously improving and new quality productive forces gaining momentum, Shen said.

He noted that China will maintain more proactive macroeconomic policies this year, while advancing key reforms across major sectors, which is expected to further unlock the economy's growth potential.