China's economy is losing momentum, as its national congress prepares for meetings in Beijing

"What we'll see is the trade-off between whether it's going to be industry and tech, or looking after domestic demand. These are the two priorities that are juggling for Xi Jinping right now."

"Hitting the 2025 growth target is hardly reassuring as the Chinese economy is losing growth momentum, with rising imbalances and enormous structural problems being papered over by a surge in export-driven growth."

China's economy is experiencing a significant slowdown despite technological advances in robotics and artificial intelligence. The housing industry downturn, struggling small businesses, and youth unemployment create pressure on economic growth. While China reported approximately 5% growth in 2025 supported by strong exports, economists question the sustainability of this performance. The National People's Congress meeting will address the tension between Xi Jinping's high-tech ambitions and the need to support domestic demand. Consumer spending has weakened, with families reducing purchases during Lunar New Year celebrations. Structural economic problems persist beneath export-driven growth figures, raising concerns about long-term momentum and stability.

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