Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday reiterated the need to boost domestic consumption to reduce China’s reliance on exports, signaling top leaders’ concerns over economic resilience. Speaking at a seminar with analysts and entrepreneurs, Li urged the country to “continuously form new growth points for expanding domestic demand,” according to China Central Television. He also called for curbing “disorderly competition,” highlighting efforts to rein in price wars that hinder industrial development. In a veiled reference to global tensions, including with the U.S., Li stressed that China’s economy must remain resilient amid external changes. His remarks come as policymakers prepare the 2026–2030 five-year plan, in which consumption is expected to play a central role. In June, Li described China as “a mega-sized consumer powerhouse on top of its solid foundation as a manufacturing power.”
