China Faces Economic Slowdown Amid Tech Ambitions

China’s government opens the annual National People’s Congress Thursday amid slowing growth, a persistent housing downturn and high youth unemployment. Leaders will set 2026 growth targets and endorse the 2026–2030 five-year blueprint while balancing export-driven manufacturing with state-backed AI, EV and advanced-industry support. The economic strain—home prices down about 20% from 2021 and 12.7 million graduates entering the job market—focuses debate on boosting domestic demand and welfare.