In a pivotal State Council study session convened on December 3, 2025, Premier Li Qiang championed the accelerated implementation of China’s people-centered new urbanization strategy. He emphasized its critical role in unlocking domestic demand potential through urban-rural integration and driving comprehensive socioeconomic advancement.
Presiding over the high-level meeting attended by Vice Premiers Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, and State Councilor Wang Xiaohong, Premier Li characterized urbanization as a fundamental engine for expanding domestic consumption, catalyzing industrial modernization, and strengthening China’s internal economic circulation. He noted that while significant progress has been achieved nationwide, the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) presents substantial opportunities for further development.
Premier Li observed that China’s urbanization is transitioning from rapid expansion to stable maturation, accompanied by profound transformations in demographic patterns, urban systems, and rural-urban dynamics. This evolution necessitates enhanced precision and effectiveness in policy implementation.
The Premier outlined a multifaceted approach requiring localized adaptation of urbanization plans, optimized coordination between population distribution, industrial development, and urban planning. He specifically highlighted the urgency of addressing critical social challenges including employment security, social welfare provisions, housing accessibility, and educational opportunities for rural migrant populations.
Further directives included advancing urban renewal initiatives, promoting construction of ‘quality homes,’ and fostering high-quality development within the real estate sector. Premier Li also stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure connectivity and industrial alignment between urban and rural regions to achieve genuinely integrated development.