Projected Surpassing of 35 Trillion Yuan in China's Economic Growth from 2021 to 2025 as Per Government Officials
China Celebrates Achievements in 14th Five-Year Plan Period
In a press conference held on July 9, 2025, in Beijing, China, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, presented the country's achievements in social and economic development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The event, organized by the State Council Information Office, highlighted the significant strides made in various sectors.
During the conference, Zheng Shanjie emphasized the growth in the digital economy, with a focus on e-commerce, digital payments, and internet finance. He also acknowledged the growth in the overall economy, with an economic increment exceeding 35 trillion yuan (approximately $4.89 trillion) and an average annual GDP growth of about 5.5 percent from 2021 to 2024. This growth contributed roughly 30 percent annually to global economic expansion.
Significant improvements in social welfare were also noted. Over 95 percent of the population gained coverage under basic medical and pension systems, and access to quality public services expanded substantially, enhancing education, healthcare, social security, and transportation. High-speed rail mileage increased by over 10,000 kilometers, facilitating efficient mobility and logistics.
China made deep strides in green development. Forest coverage rose beyond 25 percent, representing a quarter of the world’s new greening since 2020, and clean energy accounted for more than one-third of national electricity consumption. Major rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow now meet Class II water quality standards, reflecting environmental improvements.
Strategic foundations in food security and manufacturing resilience were consolidated. Over 1 billion mu (approximately 67 million hectares) of high-standard farmland was built or upgraded, and the establishment of the world’s largest clean energy system was achieved. Domestic consumption grew in importance, contributing on average 56.2 percent to economic growth.
Innovation advanced markedly. Research and development spending rose nearly 50 percent between 2020 and 2024, supporting high-quality development and technological progress in areas like electric vehicles, digital technologies, robotics, and AI. Efforts to reduce urban-rural disparities continued, alongside initiatives for a green transition integral to sustainable economic growth.
The expanding unified market framework and policy environment fostered business growth. Private enterprise registrations increased over 40 percent compared to 2020. Internationally, the Belt and Road Initiative underpinned development cooperation, despite global geopolitical challenges.
The press conference also underscored the success in poverty alleviation efforts, with a significant reduction in the number of impoverished individuals in rural areas. Improvements in rural infrastructure, particularly in terms of road networks and access to clean water, were highlighted.
The healthcare sector witnessed advancements in medical technology and infrastructure, leading to improved healthcare services for the population. The press conference included a question and answer session with the media.
These achievements collectively position China toward becoming a “moderately developed” economy by 2035, reflecting substantial progress in social welfare, economic resilience, innovation, environmental sustainability, and strategic planning during the 14th Five-Year Plan.
The growth in the digital economy, emphasized by Zheng Shanjie, is a significant part of China's policy-and-legislation efforts in economic development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. The expansion of China's economy, exceeding 35 trillion yuan, is a key general-news topic, contributing roughly 30 percent annually to global economic expansion.
