The Chinese economy proved remarkably resilient in 2025, according to the Government Work Report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation.
Premier Li Qiang delivered the report on behalf of the State Council at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing.
"Over the past year, the Chinese economy has proved remarkably resilient, forging ahead against headwinds. The economy remained generally stable, and steady growth was registered. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by five percent, reaching 140.19 trillion yuan (20.28 trillion U.S. dollars). Overall employment remained stable, with 12.67 million urban jobs created, and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent. Foreign trade registered rapid growth, significant advances were made in export diversification, and a basic equilibrium was maintained in the balance of international payments," said Li when delivering the report.
The premier also outlined the outcomes of public wellbeing initiatives last year.
Personal incomes rose in step with economic growth; poverty alleviation gains were consolidated and expanded; the policy of providing one year of free preschool education was implemented, benefiting 14 million children; and over 30 million children under three benefited from the childcare subsidies launched nationwide last year. Grain output rose to 715 million metric tons. Encouraging headway was made in defusing risks in key areas; overall social stability was ensured, according to the report.
Numerous new advances were made in science and technology last year, said the report.
"Over the past year, China has achieved dynamic, innovation-driven, and high-quality development. New quality productive forces grew steadily, and numerous new advances were made in science and technology. China led the way in the research, development, and application of artificial intelligence (AI), biomedicine, robotics, and quantum technology," Li said.
The ecological environment continued to improve, with energy consumption per unit of GDP dropping by 5.1 percent, according to the report.
Last year's achievements were hard won as the country faced challenges from both home and abroad, the report said, citing the lack of adequate growth momentum in consumption and investment.
Chinese economy remarkably resilient in 2025: gov't report
Chinese economy remarkably resilient in 2025: gov't report
