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The Chinese economy experienced a 5 percent growth last year compared to the previous year, successfully meeting its annual growth target of approximately 5 percent, according to official government data. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 5 percent, reaching approximately 140.2 trillion yuan (around $20 trillion) in 2025, based on recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics.
In the final quarter of the year, the economy expanded by 4.5 percent year-over-year, following increases of 5.4 percent in the first quarter, 5.2 percent in the second quarter, and 4.8 percent in the third quarter. A key feature observed throughout the year was overall economic stability, despite facing substantial external shifts and mounting domestic challenges. To maintain momentum, China adopted more proactive macroeconomic policies aimed at preserving its development foundation.
Employment remained relatively steady, with the urban surveyed unemployment rate averaging 5.2 percent throughout the year. Additionally, trade in goods reached historic highs, and China’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed $3.3 trillion.
The output of high-tech manufacturing firms above a designated size contributed over 17 percent to the total value-added industrial output. Consumption played a vital role in economic growth, accounting for over half of the contribution. Reforms and opening-up efforts deepened, notably with significant progress towards establishing a unified national market.
The recent implementation of the Private Economy Promotion Law and positive outcomes from tackling unhealthy competition practices marked notable steps forward. Investment in research and development increased, with R&D expenditure intensity reaching 2.8 percent last year—up from 2.7 percent in 2024—and surpassing the average among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries for the first time.
China’s innovation index entered the top 10 globally for the first time last year, supported by breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and brain-computer interfaces, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Resilience remains a defining feature of the Chinese economy—its ability to adapt and withstand pressures amid an uncertain environment. Zhang emphasized that China’s growth rate was among the highest among major economies last year, serving as a steady and dependable driver of global economic expansion, with the country contributing roughly 30 percent to worldwide growth.
Moving forward, it is critical to address both longstanding issues and emerging challenges by focusing on stabilizing employment, supporting businesses, maintaining market stability, and managing expectations to foster sustainable development.
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