NDRC construction projects enhance infrastructure and secure urban safety, spokeswoman says

China earmarked 700 billion yuan ($97.2 billion) and 800 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds in 2024 and 2025, respectively, to support the construction of respective 1,465 and 1,459 "hard" investment projects focused on implementing major national strategies and enhancing security capacity in key areas, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic regulator, said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the NDRC has advanced planning work, policymaking, and institutional innovation in a coordinated way, and introduced a series of practical "soft infrastructure" measures, NDRC spokeswoman Li Chao told a news conference in Beijing.

"Overall, these efforts have effectively connected the major tasks of the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plan periods and showcased China's institutional strength in concentrating resources to accomplish major national undertakings," Li said.

In promoting new-type urbanization, for instance, the authorities have pushed forward the construction and renovation of urban underground pipeline networks for gas, water supply, drainage, and heating. Additionally, the authorities have accelerated the establishment of sound operation and maintenance mechanisms for the pipeline networks, thereby significantly enhancing urban safety and resilience, according to Li.

"Looking ahead, the NDRC will work with relevant departments to advance the implementation of major national strategies and strengthen security capacity in key areas during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30) to provide stronger support for advancing Chinese modernization," Li added.