2026 two sessions: China’s push for zero corruption and financial superpower

The South China Morning Post has launched a series exploring Beijing’s progress in defusing financial risks and rooting out political corruption, along with what remains to be done. The series covers steady stock market growth, anti-corruption in academia, and financial influence.

The South China Morning Post published a series on March 7, 2026, titled “Two sessions 2026: China’s zero corruption, financial superpower push.” The series delves into Beijing’s efforts to defuse financial risks and root out political corruption, and what remains to be done.

One article notes that China is working to build slow, steady stock markets, rejecting the norm of boom and bust. Beijing is emphasizing gradual growth in its capital market policies, encouraging dividend payouts and drawing a contrast with the West.

Another piece explains why China’s anti-corruption push in academia is key to its science and tech aims. Ahead of the country’s annual two sessions meetings, scientists urge more institutionalized and effective mechanisms to curb abuses of power.

The series also examines China’s war on corruption, asking if this is just the end of the beginning. More “tigers”—high-level officials—are being culled than ever before in a campaign that could be becoming the new normal.

Additionally, it covers how China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money. Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence—a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

These articles provide context for the upcoming two sessions, highlighting the importance of ongoing reforms.

Articles connexes

Realistic illustration of China's 2026 Two Sessions press conference highlighting GDP growth targets and leaders including Premier Li Qiang and Xi Jinping.
Image générée par IA

Economy press conference highlights from China's 2026 Two Sessions

Rapporté par l'IA Image générée par IA

Following Premier Li Qiang's government work report setting a 2026 GDP growth target of 4.5-5%, Zheng Shanjie of the National Development and Reform Commission projected over 6 trillion yuan GDP growth this year at the NPC economy press conference. The service sector is expected to exceed 100 trillion yuan during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Leaders including Xi Jinping emphasized high-quality development amid the sessions.

At the opening of China's National People's Congress, Premier Li Qiang pledged to champion orderly multipolarism and inclusive globalisation. President Xi Jinping urged major provincial economies to lead in technological innovation and risk control. The government work report outlined priorities for the economy, innovation and military this year.

Rapporté par l'IA

The People's Daily published a front-page editorial on Saturday stressing that self-reform and anti-corruption efforts are key to ensuring the longevity of the Communist Party's rule in China, echoing Xi Jinping's New Year's address. It stated, 'A new year, a new journey begins,' urging intensified discipline in the coming years.

While the underperformance of Chinese equities in the last financial quarter warrants scrutiny, overall gains are likely to continue in 2026. Most Wall Street banks remain bullish on Chinese stocks, though some have turned more cautious. China's stock market saw a strong rebound in 2025, with Hong Kong emerging as Asia's top fundraising venue.

Rapporté par l'IA

China's securities regulator chief Wu Qing pledged on Friday to advance capital market opening to a higher level and reform the STAR Market and ChiNext to better support technological innovation. Representatives from foreign financial institutions noted that since the 2024 nine-point guideline, China's capital market has significantly boosted its appeal to foreign investors. They suggested enhancing policy continuity and aligning with international standards.

At a news conference in Beijing, Liu Jieyi, spokesman for the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stated that China will deepen high-level opening-up and accelerate free trade zone development to stabilize economic growth amid rising global uncertainties. He highlighted that China's economy demonstrated 'remarkable resilience and vitality' over the past year despite a complex external environment.

Rapporté par l'IA

As Beijing launches its new five-year plan, President Xi Jinping has revived his goal of turning China into a financial superpower. Analysts say Hong Kong, as a global financial centre, could play a key role in yuan internationalisation, digital yuan adoption, and cryptocurrency testing.

 

 

 

Ce site utilise des cookies

Nous utilisons des cookies pour l'analyse afin d'améliorer notre site. Lisez notre politique de confidentialité pour plus d'informations.
Refuser