A humanoid robot puts stationery into a pencil case at a data collection and training ground for humanoid robots in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province. (Photo/Zhang Jingang)
China has made significant strides in its economic journey, with the announcement on January 19, 2026, marking a remarkable turning point. The country’s economy has surpassed the 140-trillion-yuan mark (approximately $20.11 trillion) for the very first time, boasting a year-on-year GDP growth of 5.0 percent. This achievement underscores China’s role as a powerhouse in global economic dynamics, contributing around 30 percent to worldwide growth—a remarkable feat amid complex domestic and international challenges.
The consistent upward trajectory of China’s economy throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) is noteworthy. Key milestones were achieved as the total economic output accelerated from 110 trillion yuan to 120 trillion, then 130 trillion, and finally reaching 140 trillion yuan. This series of achievements highlights not only resilience but also the adaptability of China’s economy as it navigates through evolving challenges and opportunities.
International reactions have generally regarded China’s economic performance as a beacon of hope amidst global uncertainty. A foreign media outlet emphasized that the stability demonstrated by such a vast economy at this critical juncture serves as positive news for many countries grappling with their own fiscal struggles. The implications of China’s growth extend far beyond its borders, suggesting fresh opportunities for international cooperation and investment.
The ongoing World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos serves as an exemplary platform highlighting the interconnectedness of global economies. With the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the forum aims to address pressing issues while seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Questions around cooperation in a contested world, unlocking growth sources, investing in people, and responsible innovation will likely dominate discussions, resonating with the global audience’s quest for collaborative progress.
China’s confidence and its innovative approaches can bring fresh perspectives to these pressing global challenges. As pointed out by a British media outlet, the way China defines growth may very well set new precedents for other nations. The value of collaboration and shared progress is more vital than ever as countries worldwide strive to address common existential threats such as climate change and economic instability.
Photo shows an intelligent workshop of a home textile company in Suqian, east China’s Jiangsu province. (Photo/Xu Jianghai)
In a significant stride toward innovation, China’s research and development spending has reached an intensity of 2.8 percent by 2025, surpassing the average of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for the first time. Notably, the manufacturing of digital products saw a robust year-on-year growth of 9.3 percent. Advances in cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and brain-computer interfaces underline the transformative potential of these innovations for economic paradigms both locally and globally.
China’s automotive sector also underscores a significant pivot toward green technology, with new energy vehicles making up over 50 percent of domestic car sales. This shift not only supports environmental sustainability but also fosters a burgeoning market that has the potential to inspire similar movements across the globe.
The expeditious developments in these realms signal a dual approach of both quantitative expansion and qualitative improvement in China’s economy. Countries around the world can glean valuable insights from China’s experience as they seek alternative growth drivers in their own economic environments. In fact, nearly half of the entries on the World Economic Forum’s MINDS list—which champions meaningful, intelligent, novel, and deployable solutions—originated from China, indicating the country’s leadership in forging innovative pathways.
Moreover, China’s openness to international trade continues to strengthen, as evidenced by the establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the implementation of island-wide customs operations. In 2025, the overall import and export value of goods grew by 3.8 percent, with imports peaking at 18.5 trillion yuan. This vibrant trade activity offers vast market opportunities for countries worldwide, emphasizing China’s role in facilitating global economic interconnectedness.
A steadfast China presents itself as a counterbalance to rising unilateralism and protectionism in the global arena. By remaining dynamic and committed to open trade, China plays a crucial role in stabilizing global industrial and supply chains at a time when many are facing retraction and volatility.
Socially, the impact of economic growth is palpable, with China witnessing a 5.0 percent real-term increase in per capita disposable income by 2025, thus keeping stride with overall economic advancement. Improvements have been noted across various sectors including elderly care, childcare, and healthcare, which may indicate a holistic approach to development that puts people’s welfare front and center in the economic narrative.
A woman shops at a duty-free mall in Haikou, south China’s Hainan province, Jan. 19. (Photo/Yang He)
The emphasis on improving human well-being through economic development marks a significant transition in the narrative around modernization. By addressing the basic livelihood needs of its population, China is not only reflecting core modernization values but also unlocking additional economic potential that can further catalyze growth.
The pivotal leap to a 140-trillion-yuan economy is characterized by innovation, commitment to sustainability, and an optimistic outlook for future endeavors. As the country gears up for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), its grand economic blueprint is poised to present the world with a “menu of opportunities” aimed at fostering growth and shared progress in an increasingly interconnected landscape.
By focusing on high-quality development and adhering to principles of openness, China seeks to establish a more stable global environment that benefits all nations, thus paving the way for a collaborative future driven by mutual prosperity.
(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
