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China’s pivot from GDP obsession sparks cadre confusion, testing local governance

China’s Politburo signals decisive macroeconomic direction ahead of ‘two sessions’

China’s February Politburo readout

‘Two sessions’, Trump tariffs, JD.com earnings

Two Sessions 2026 (Lianghui)

‘Two sessions’: China’s economic agenda

Tourists visit a commercial street in Hubei, central China during the Chinese New Year holiday. Photo: Xinhua

Economy

China Economy

China shifts cadre-appraisal metrics away from pure GDP growth, resetting mindsets

A child waves a Chinese flag near Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on February 19. China’s leadership is calling for local-level cadres across the country to do work that “benefits the people”. Photo: AP

An event in China’s Hubei province on February 5 aimed to boost spending by creating diverse consumption scenarios ahead of the Spring Festival holiday. China’s leadership is calling for local cadres to do work that “benefits the people”. Photo: Xinhua

Five-month campaign seen prioritising social welfare and long-term sustainability over economic expansion, with debt, fraud and vanity projects in crosshairs.


A vendor sits at the doorway to her store in Beijing on February 18. China’s leadership is pivoting towards people-centric, consumption-led economic growth. Photo: Getty Images

Governors and mayors must reconcile Beijing’s people-centric mandates with traditional growth targets, navigating vague appraisal changes and performance concepts.


Ahead of China’s annual legislative meetings, the South China Morning Post examines the complex economic recalibration driving China’s growth philosophy and its wide-ranging implications.


National People's Congress (NPC)

National People’s Congress Standing Committee (China)

Series

‘Two sessions’: China’s economic agenda

Ahead of China’s annual legislative meetings, the South China Morning Post examines the complex economic recalibration driving China’s growth philosophy and its wide-ranging implications.

After years of ‘at-all-costs’ growth, China wants cadres to ditch GDP obsession

Five-month campaign seen prioritising social welfare and long-term sustainability over economic expansion, with debt, fraud and vanity projects in crosshairs.

China’s pivot from GDP obsession sparks cadre confusion, tests local governance

Governors and mayors must reconcile Beijing’s people-centric mandates with traditional growth targets, navigating vague appraisal changes and performance concepts.