BEIJING, October 2, 2026: Chinese President Xi Jinping used a National Day reception to call for efforts to meet the country’s economic targets while reiterating Beijing’s opposition to Taiwan independence and outside interference. His remarks came as China began the 77th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. citeturn1news2turn0search0

The speech combined domestic economic priorities with Beijing’s established position on Taiwan, while also emphasizing technological development, reform and national stability.

Xi’s economic message

Xi called on officials to work toward the country’s full-year economic goals. Reuters reported that his comments came as Chinese policymakers have acknowledged economic pressures and introduced additional measures to support growth. citeturn1news2turn1news3

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan

The 2026-2030 period is the opening phase of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Xi has emphasized technological innovation, higher-quality growth and resilience as central elements of China’s longer-term economic strategy.

Technology remains a priority

China is investing heavily in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean-energy technologies and other strategic industries. The government has linked technological upgrading with productivity and national economic security.

New economic support measures

Days before the National Day reception, China announced measures designed to support infrastructure, technology, private businesses and homebuyers. The People’s Bank of China reduced the rate on pledged supplementary lending and expanded support facilities, while authorities introduced an interest subsidy for eligible first-time homebuyers. citeturn1news3

Domestic demand remains a challenge

China continues to face weak consumer demand and a prolonged property-sector downturn. The government’s recent measures indicate that policymakers are attempting to support both investment and household demand while maintaining financial stability.

Xi’s Taiwan remarks

Xi reiterated China’s opposition to Taiwan independence and external interference. He also called for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advancement of what Beijing describes as national reunification. citeturn0search0turn1news2

Why Taiwan remains a major issue

Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out the use of force. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that its future should be decided by its people. The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains extensive unofficial ties and provides defensive arms.

Military readiness and current assessments

Recent reporting has focused on the 2027 military-readiness timeline associated with the People’s Liberation Army. Reuters reported that U.S. officials currently assess an invasion before 2028 as unlikely, while stressing that this is an assessment rather than a confirmed Chinese policy or prediction of future events. citeturn1news1

National Day celebrations

China marked National Day with celebrations across the country, including public events and fireworks in Hong Kong. Xi also participated in a tribute to fallen heroes at Tiananmen Square around Martyrs’ Day. In other countries, including India, Tibetan activists staged protests related to Chinese rule in Tibet. citeturn0news2

What the speech signals

The National Day remarks place economic performance, technological development, sovereignty and national stability at the center of Beijing’s public message as the new five-year planning period begins.

What to watch next

Markets and businesses will watch whether the latest economic-support measures translate into stronger household spending, investment and industrial activity. On foreign policy, developments involving Taiwan, the United States and regional security will remain important areas of attention.

NewsNationOnline will continue coverage through its Political section, International section and Business section. Readers can consult China’s State Council for official government announcements.

Source note: Statements about Taiwan and economic policy are attributed to Chinese officials and reporting sources. This article does not make predictions about future military action or election outcomes.

Imran Siddiqui

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