China expected to prioritize boosting consumption and domestic demand in 2026, expert says

With the market looking to the upcoming annual Central Economic Work Conference, policymakers are expected to place boosting domestic demand and consumption at the center of next year's economic agenda, said Wang Wei, senior researcher and former director of the Institute of Market Economy at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Wang said during a recent exclusive interview with China Perspective that fiscal policies should continue to intensify support for consumption as the key driving force of economic growth.

She added that China may take further steps to increase public holidays during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, adding that better enforcement of paid leave and more flexible paid leave arrangements will be crucial to spurring domestic consumption.