Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday chaired an executive meeting of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, focusing on economic policy, environmental regulation, and legislative preparation ahead of China’s annual parliamentary sessions.
The meeting heard reports on how suggestions submitted by National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies and proposals from members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were handled in 2025. With the 2026 annual sessions of the NPC and CPPCC approaching in March, the meeting stressed the importance of actively listening to and adopting lawmakers’ and political advisers’ views, and ensuring high-quality handling of their submissions this year.
Focus on effective investment and economic stability
The State Council meeting also examined policy measures aimed at promoting effective investment, identifying it as a key tool for stabilising economic growth and strengthening development momentum. Officials noted that, amid domestic and external uncertainties, policy innovation and further refinement are required to improve the efficiency and quality of investment, rather than relying solely on expansion in scale.
This discussion aligns with broader government efforts to support steady growth while advancing structural reform and high-quality development, a central theme of China’s current economic policy framework.
Stricter air quality standards proposed
Environmental governance was another major item on the agenda. The meeting made arrangements to revise ambient air quality standards, introducing more stringent requirements for annual average PM2.5 concentration targets. The executive meeting called for sustained efforts to improve pollution control effectiveness and safeguard environmental gains, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving air quality and protecting what officials often describe as China’s “blue skies”.
The revision process is expected to involve coordination among environmental, industrial and local authorities to ensure effective implementation.
Bidding law revision moves forward
The meeting also discussed a draft revision to China’s bidding law, a key piece of legislation governing public procurement and project tendering. The draft was adopted in principle, and the State Council decided to submit it to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for further deliberation.
Legal experts note that revisions to the bidding law are likely aimed at improving transparency, fairness and efficiency in public tenders, while addressing emerging challenges in market regulation.
Policy significance
Analysts view the executive meeting as indicative of the State Council’s near-term priorities: maintaining economic stability, strengthening environmental standards, and refining the legal framework ahead of the legislative calendar. By linking policy review with responsiveness to lawmakers’ proposals, the government is signalling an effort to improve governance quality and policy execution as China enters a new phase of economic and social development.