China's National Congress Outlines Economic and Technology Priorities Amid Growth Challenges

China's National People's Congress convenes to approve a five-year economic plan prioritizing technological advancement amid slowing growth and domestic challenges. Officials are expected to set a flexible GDP growth target around 4.5-5 percent for 2026, balancing ambitions in AI and industrial innovation with concerns over housing downturn, small business struggles, and youth unemployment. The session also precedes a key meeting between Chinese and U.S. leaders, highlighting ongoing technology competition and geopolitical tensions.