China’s Economic Future

As China prepares to publish its 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026, and with key leadership meetings scheduled for late 2025, questions about the direction of China’s economy and its global impact are becoming increasingly urgent.

Hosted by the RAND Europe China Initiative, this in-person breakfast roundtable explored the trajectory of China’s economy, potential challenges it may face in 2026, and the implications for its relationships with the UK and Europe. Drawing on RAND Europe’s ongoing research into Chinese economic policy and strategy, this timely conversation brought together senior participants from government, business and academia.

The discussion considered what the outcomes of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) suggest about China’s evolving priorities, and what future developments could mean for policymakers and stakeholders in Europe.

The RAND Europe China Initiative

The RAND Europe China Initiative (RECI) is the independent European counterpart to the RAND China Research Center. It offers insights into China crafted by European researchers for European policymakers. Our experts conduct research on the inner workings of the People’s Republic of China from its economy, industries, to its science and technology, and security and defence ecosystems, and assess the security ramifications of China’s policies and decisions for Europe. Our work combines regional and sectoral expertise with innovative methodologies such as data science, to provide policymakers with data-based and reliable analysis to inform their work.