China can achieve a strong economic start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period, despite existing pressures and challenges, said Qi Xiangdong, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of Qi-Anxin Technology Group.

"For 2026, the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we have confidence in China's national economy," Qi told China Perspective during an exclusive interview. "While there are still difficulties and pressures, I think we can accomplish the tasks given the favorable factors."

He emphasized that confidence is fundamental to both economic and social development, adding that confidence in China's economy has been further accumulating since 2025 with the help of a series of effective government policy measures.

Citing a wave of policy moves aimed at strengthening confidence and promoting growth, he highlighted the promulgation of the Private Economy Promotion Law as particularly significant.

"I believe these measures have played an important role and laid a very solid foundation for achieving the 2026 economic targets," he said.

Meanwhile, Qi identified the artificial intelligence technological revolution as the second key favorable factor.

"This technological revolution can provide extraordinarily strong and low-cost productivity, which can help solve many historical problems," he said, noting that both struggling companies and newly established startups are excited about the AI era.

"It provides a new solution and a new path for economic development," Qi said. "With these two favorable factors combined, achieving a strong start for economic development for the next five years will not be a problem. And I am fully confident."

Lyu Jinkai contributed to this story.