ECONOMY

China’s 2035 GDP Goal Requires 4.17% Annual Growth

Published: Oct. 31, 2025 2:51 p.m. GMT+8

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A worker inspects vacuum glass products at a workshop in the Yibin district of Luoyang, Henan province, on Oct. 29, 2025. Photo: VCG

China will need to maintain average annual economic growth of 4.17% over the next decade to achieve its goal for per capita GDP to reach the level of a “mid-level developed country” by 2035.

This target was detailed in an official study guide explaining a key proposal from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party Central Committee.

The guide clarifies the metrics for the long-standing 2035 ambition, rooting it in benchmarks from 2020, the year the goal was first introduced.

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China needs 4.17% average annual GDP growth through 2035 to double 2020 per capita GDP, targeting “mid-level developed country” status.
The benchmark is based on 2020 levels: doubling GDP per capita (constant prices) and exceeding $20,000.
The official guide acknowledges rising developed economy thresholds and sets the 2035 target using 2020 standards, factoring a projected 0.2% annual population decline.

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