What China’s latest economic plans say about its tech ambitions and rivalry with the US

BEIJING (AP) — Two major economic plans unveiled at the annual meeting of China’s legislature outline top priorities. One is building a robust domestic market. The other is building China into a tech leader. Together they highlight the government’s balancing act between its efforts to transform the economy while managing a prolonged period of sluggishness. China is such a large exporter that the choices it makes affect countries and jobs around the world. The plans were presented at the opening of the National People’s Congress and are set to be endorsed by the rubber-stamp legislature on the final day of the eight-day session on Thursday (March 12, 2026).