Peking University Professor Urges 2026 China Policy Shift to 6%-6.5% Productivity Growth
Updated
Updated · China Daily · May 24
Peking University Professor Urges 2026 China Policy Shift to 6%-6.5% Productivity Growth
1 articles · Updated · China Daily · May 24
A Peking University professor said China’s 2026 economic policy should center on lifting labor productivity and creating new demand, arguing that future growth will depend more on efficiency gains than labor-force expansion.
6%-6.5% annual productivity growth may be needed to meet current GDP targets because the labor force is shrinking, with the population down about 0.2% in 2025 and the workforce already past its peak.
Consumption has become the main growth driver, contributing 52% in 2025 versus 44.5% in 2024, while investment’s share fell to 15.3% from 25.2% and net exports rose to 32.7%, a more volatile and externally exposed mix.
The proposal calls for a more flexible labor market, AI policies that complement workers rather than replace them, and support for 'exploratory consumption' through shorter hours, more holidays and expanded cultural spaces.
The argument reflects a broader view that China’s next decade of high-quality growth will rely less on heavy investment and longer hours, and more on productivity, services and new consumption patterns.
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