China's Communist Party Convenes to Shape 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan Amid Trade Tensions and Military Purge

China's ruling Communist Party convened a key four-day plenary session in Beijing to finalize the 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026-2030, amid significant domestic and international challenges. The plan aims to address the country's economic slowdown, rising unemployment near 20%, and the impact of U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump's administration, while emphasizing technological self-reliance and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence. Party leaders, including President Xi Jinping, also focused on sustaining growth through boosting domestic consumption and job creation, as well as reducing excess industrial capacity. Alongside economic discussions, a major anti-corruption crackdown in the military led to the expulsion of nine high-ranking officials, demonstrating the party's intent to continue President Xi's thorough military anti-corruption campaign. The closed-door meeting also came as Xi prepared for a possible meeting with President Trump at an upcoming regional summit, highlighting the tense trade relations between the two nations. Details and specific policies from the five-year plan are expected to be released at the National People's Congress session in March 2026.