CGTN: Why is China’s economy holding steady? Jiangsu Province has the answer

Article content

CGTN published an article examining the resilience of China’s economy amid global uncertainties. It highlighted the role of major provinces like Jiangsu in driving high-quality growth and outlined policy efforts to boost employment, raise incomes and improve public services – all aimed at ensuring Chinese modernization delivers common prosperity for all.

Article content

BEIJING, March 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the global economy faces mounting uncertainties and domestic structural adjustments continue, China’s economic resilience has become a frequent topic of discussion.

Article content

Article content

Article content

As a major province that can maintain both economic dynamism and social progress, east China’s Jiangsu Province offers a glimpse into why China’s economy demonstrates resilience and vitality despite a complex external environment.

Article content

Article content

In 2025, China’s total GDP surpassed 140 trillion yuan (about $20.16 trillion). Among all provinces, Jiangsu stands out as a key pillar, contributing roughly one-tenth of the national total. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the province’s economy crossed four successive trillion-yuan milestones, steadily expanding its scale while maintaining strong momentum.

Article content

On Thursday, while taking part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province at the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, China’s national legislature, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that economically strong provinces must maintain solid foundations and strong resilience against external shocks, so that they can help stabilize the overall national economy.

Article content

High-quality growth, economic resilience

Article content

Article content

A defining feature of Jiangsu’s economic performance is the combination of scale and quality. Xi called on the province to continue strengthening its economic resilience by improving its internal capabilities, integrating more deeply into China’s unified national market, and expanding high-level opening up.

Article content

Manufacturing remains a central pillar. Jiangsu’s manufacturing high-quality development index has ranked first nationwide for five consecutive years, reflecting both industrial sophistication and strong innovation capacity. From advanced equipment and integrated circuits to new energy and biomedicine, the province’s industrial ecosystem has helped it remain competitive amid global supply chain adjustments.

Article content

Domestic demand is also showing vitality. A striking example is the viral popularity of the provincial football league known as the “Su Super League,” which has attracted more than 2.43 million spectators in 2025. The phenomenon illustrates how sports, culture and tourism can activate consumption and unleash the potential of the domestic market.