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Voices from the Two Sessions | As the spring thunder rumbles, all things thrive—now is the time to forge ahead.
With the arrival of Jingzhe, the spring thunder begins to rumble. On March 5—the only one of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms named after a sound—the grand opening of the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress was held. From the opening of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on March 4 to the subsequent convening of the National People’s Congress, some 5,000 deputies and members have come together for this rendezvous with spring—coinciding with the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, when the grand vision for the nation and the vibrant vitality of the land resonate in perfect harmony.
Two Sessions: A New Journey Begins in the Year of Momentum
The year 2026 marks a pivotal starting point for the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Standing at the new starting point of a GDP exceeding RMB 140 trillion, what path will China take over the next five years? This “spring gathering” serves as a crucial vantage point for observation.
The performance report for the past year is very impressive.
According to the Government Work Report, China’s GDP is projected to grow by 5% in 2025, reaching a total of RMB 140.19 trillion. This achievement was hard-earned:
New urban employment reached 12.67 million, with the average surveyed urban unemployment rate standing at 5.2%.
Implementing the policy of one year of free preschool education, benefiting 14 million children, and fully rolling out the child-rearing subsidy system, benefiting over 30 million infants and young children.
China is at the forefront of the world in the research, development, and application of artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, robotics, quantum technology, and other cutting-edge fields, with new breakthroughs achieved in the independent R&D of chips.
Annual production of new-energy vehicles has exceeded 16 million units, and the number of electric-vehicle charging facilities has surpassed 20 million.
Domestic tourist trips increased by 16.2%, while inbound tourist arrivals rose by 17.1%.
A very pragmatic goal for the new year.
The main projected development targets for 2026 have been unveiled:
Economic growth of 4.5%–5%, with concerted efforts in practical work to achieve even better results.
More than 12 million new urban jobs were created.
The increase in the consumer price index will be around 2%.
Grain output of approximately 1.4 trillion jin.
Carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP decreased by about 3.8%.
Policy orientation has also become more proactive: the deficit-to-GDP ratio is slated to be around 4%, with a total deficit of RMB 5.89 trillion; general public budget expenditures are set to reach RMB 30 trillion for the first time; and it is planned to issue RMB 1.3 trillion in ultra-long-term special government bonds.
Three “Awakening of Insects,” Three Kinds of Expectation
When the spring thunder of Jingzhe coincides with the convening of the Two Sessions, we cannot help but look forward to: In what areas will China this year usher in its own “Jingzhe”?
We look forward to the “Awakening of Insects” of technological innovation.
Technological self-reliance and strength echo the vitality of Jingzhe—the season when life bursts forth from the earth.
The Government Work Report explicitly states the need to develop emerging pillar industries such as integrated circuits, aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, and the low-altitude economy; to establish mechanisms for increasing investment in and sharing risks associated with future industries; and to foster the development of future industries including next-generation energy, quantum technology, embodied intelligence, brain–machine interfaces, and 6G.
Pan Jianwei, Executive Vice President of the University of Science and Technology of China and a member of the CPPCC National Committee, stated that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to strengthen original innovation, promote deep integration among industry, academia, and research, accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, and ensure that quantum technology better supports the development of new-quality productive forces.
We look forward to the “Awakening of Insects” in people’s well-being.
During the Jingzhe solar term, all things flourish. Deputies and committee members are focusing on areas such as employment, education, and healthcare, leveraging policy benefits to meet the people’s expectations.
“Wallet”: A plan to increase the incomes of both urban and rural residents has been formulated and implemented, with a series of pragmatic measures introduced to boost the incomes of low-income groups and enhance residents’ property income.
“Medicine Box”: The per capita fiscal subsidy for resident medical insurance has been increased by RMB 24.
“The elderly and the young”: The monthly minimum standard for basic old-age pensions for urban and rural residents will be raised by an additional RMB 20; housing security for first-time married and first-time childbearing families will be strengthened, and support will be provided to families with multiple children to meet their needs for improved housing; the maternity insurance system and maternity leave system will be further refined.
“Holiday”: Support qualified localities in piloting spring and autumn school holidays for primary and secondary schools, and implement a system of paid staggered leave for employees.
We look forward to the “Awakening of Insects” of tough reform.
With the “thunder of spring” heralding the Awakening of Insects, we have deepened reforms in key areas and removed obstacles to development.
The Government Work Report proposes: formulating regulations for the development of a unified national market; thoroughly addressing “involutionary” competition to foster a healthy market environment; and improving the supporting laws and policies for the Law on the Promotion of the Private Economy.
In the realm of rule-of-law development, the Ecological and Environmental Code, following the Civil Code as China’s second law to bear the title “Code,” is designed to safeguard our green mountains and clear waters through the rule of law; meanwhile, the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to consolidate the foundations of ethnic unity by harnessing the power of the rule of law.
Spring chill cannot halt the march of growth.
Though the season has turned to spring, a lingering chill still lingers.
As we forge ahead against the tide, we continue to grapple with the contradiction of strong supply and weak demand, as well as the growing pains of industrial transformation and the disparities between urban and rural areas and among regions. At the same time, both longstanding issues and emerging challenges persist.
Yet the lingering chill of spring cannot halt the march of growth. In the gentle cold, roots delve ever deeper, and tender shoots gather even greater strength. This wisdom—“awakening from dormancy and thriving in the face of challenge”—is woven into the magnificent landscapes of our land and flows through the unbroken vitality of Chinese civilization.
From south to north, across thousands of miles of fertile plains, the rhythmic rise and fall of plowshares heralds the spring sowing, as all living things display an indomitable resilience in the lingering chill of spring. With the first rumble of spring thunder, resolute strides in reform and innovation converge into a mighty force, united in purpose and direction by hundreds of millions of people.
With the first thunder of Jingzhe, it is the perfect time to forge ahead.
“A light rain refreshes all the blossoms; with the first thunder, the Awakening of Insects begins. How many idle days do the farmers have? From this moment, the plowing and sowing commence.”
The Awakening of Insects not only rouses hibernating insects but also stirs the agricultural community; likewise, the convening of the Two Sessions brings together not only deputies and members of the CPPCC but also the hopes and aspirations of hundreds of millions of people.
As we embark on the 15th Five-Year Plan period, let us unite the confidence and strength forged at the Two Sessions, sow seeds in anticipation, blossom through relentless striving, and write a brighter future.
When the spring thunder rumbles, all things thrive.
Now is the time to forge ahead.
