China’s Xi Acknowledges Economic Challenges Ahead of Major Meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping has acknowledged that the country’s economy still faces “numerous difficulties” in an article set for publication this week ahead of a key political meeting in Beijing, state media reported Friday.

“At present, the unfavourable impact of changes in the external environment has deepened, and China’s economy still faces numerous difficulties and challenges,” Xi wrote in an article in Qiushi, the Communist Party’s official journal, according to Xinhua news agency.

Despite these challenges, Xi emphasized that China’s economic fundamentals remain solid, with “numerous advantages, strong resilience, and vast potential.” He added that the conditions supporting long-term growth and the overall positive trajectory have not changed.

The Chinese leadership will convene next week for the annual “Two Sessions” meetings, where analysts expect discussions on shielding the economy from tariffs and trade threats from US President Donald Trump.

Attention will focus on Wednesday’s opening of the National People’s Congress, where Premier Li Qiang is expected to outline economic growth targets for 2025.