The report cites suggestions from most Chinese government advisers, saying that they continue to favour a growth target of around 5% for 2026. That's the same target this year, although a minority camp in Beijing do want to propose a slightly lower range of 4.5% to 5.0% growth instead.
China's top policymakers will come together later this month at the Central Economic Work Conference to discuss the matter and endorse a growth target to follow for 2026. However, that target will not be announced publicly until the annual parliamentary meeting session in March.
One of the advisers told Reuters that "we should set a target of around 5% for 2026, the first year of the 15th five-year plan". Adding that "there will be certainly challenges in achieving this, but there is room to maneuver with both fiscal and monetary policy".
Amid the trade war with the US, expect China to want to promote a more bullish outlook for the sake of the optics here. I wouldn't expect Beijing to relent in "showing weakness" on this front. Anyway, China can put out whatever number they want and at the end of the day that will be it regardless of what really happens.
