China’s Stability Benefits the World Economy

The annual meetings of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), known as the Two Sessions, are being held in Beijing. Thousands of NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members from different regions and walks of life discuss national policies, economic plans and developmental goals.

The Two Sessions focus on strengthening the national framework that will drive China’s development agenda while also highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

From quantity to quality

In his 2026 Government Work Report delivered at the NPC session on 5 March, Premier Li Qiang set China’s economic growth target for 2026 at 4.5–5 percent. This target is more cautious than in previous years, reflecting China’s shift from high-speed growth to high-quality, sustainable development. These considerations led the government to adopt a realistic growth target and policies that emphasise long-term stability. Overall, this marks a clear transition from high-speed development to high-quality development.

The Government Work Report shows that technology-driven development, including the promotion and use of AI, humanoid robots and clean energy, has become a hallmark of China’s economic growth strategy. Green development has also become one of the major priorities in China’s development strategy.

Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), China is expected to continue to expand the country’s high-level opening up and international cooperation, particularly with developing regions such as Africa. China will deepen trade, investment and technological cooperation with Africa while promoting shared development focused on people.

China’s stability is not only good for its own development, but also beneficial for the development of other countries. In recent years, the global economy has seen rising protectionism, especially in Western countries, including soaring tariffs, trade restrictions and restrictive policies. Despite these trends, China has emphasised its commitment to opening up further to the outside world.

At the press conference held on 8 March, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated that China will implement zero‑tariff treatment for imports from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1. This shows China’s firm commitment of opening its huge domestic market wider to the outside world and sharing development opportunities with African countries for common prosperity.

Another example of China strengthening its opening up is Hainan, a southern island province. It has become a central element of the country’s high-level opening-up strategy and is part of the Chinese government’s promotion of free trade areas. The island is expected to become a global hub of international free trade by 2035.

Shared development

This year’s Two Sessions highlighted China’s commitment to stable development and international cooperation. Countries like Namibia and others in Africa stand to benefit from China’s international engagements through platforms such as the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Take Namibia as an example. In 2019, Namibia made history by becoming the first African country to export beef to China after the signing of veterinary and trade protocols between the two countries. The agreements led to rapid and stable growth in trade. According to media reports, in 2023, the value of beef exports to China reached about N$60 million ($3.61 million) – an increase of 19.8 percent from the previous year. This trade cooperation is expected to deepen during the 15th Five-Year Plan period through China’s international engagement with Namibia and other African countries.

Another important cooperation platform between China and Africa is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which focuses on strengthening trade, infrastructure development and economic connectivity. For instance, Namibia’s strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean makes it an important gateway for trade between China and Africa. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Namibia will further benefit from cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative has become an increasingly important part of China-Africa cooperation.

In Namibia, one of the most prominent China-supported infrastructure projects is the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway in Windhoek, the capital city, opened in November 2025. The four-lane dual carriageway, 21.3–km road, connects the city centre with Hosea Kutako International Airport, significantly reducing travel time and easing congestion in the area.

Overall, signals from the Two Sessions show that China has reaffirmed its intention to promote economic stability at home while strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships abroad.

The author is Editor in Chief of African Youth Newspaper, Namibia.