ECONOMY

China Enacts Law to Codify National Development Planning

Published: Mar. 13, 2026 5:37 p.m. GMT+8

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The National Development Planning Law, approved by the National People’s Congress, took effect on March 12, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

China has enacted a new law codifying the drafting and implementation of its long-term national development plans, giving legal backing to the country’s main economic and social policy blueprints.

The National Development Planning Law took effect Thursday after being approved by the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature.

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China enacted the National Development Planning Law, providing a legal framework for long-term national plans.
The law governs drafting, review, approval, and implementation, requiring extensive research and top-level approval.
Published plans guide policy, set priorities, and determine fiscal spending; revisions require statutory procedures.

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