Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, where top officials reviewed fiscal accountability measures, advanced science and technology implementation, and approved two major Five-Year Plans for education and environmental sustainability, alongside a draft revision of the Road Traffic Safety Law.
The meeting began with a thorough review of rectification measures addressing problems identified in the audit of the 2025 central budget execution and other fiscal revenues and expenditures. Officials emphasized the need to develop categorized lists of problems with corresponding rectification measures, ensuring thorough and effective corrections. The meeting stressed strengthening budget management, deepening fiscal and tax system reform, and improving the overall effectiveness of science-based fiscal governance across all levels of government.
Attendees were then briefed on the progress of initiatives proposed at the National Science and Technology Conference. The meeting determined that efforts should be made to efficiently implement major national science and technology tasks, improve the mechanism for diversified investment in research and development, and enhance coordination in cultivating, attracting and retaining top-tier talent. This emphasis on scientific innovation reflects China broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in technology and innovation-driven growth, with particular attention to building self-reliance in critical and emerging technologies.
A major outcome of the session was the review and approval of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 to 2030) for the development of education. The plan outlines China educational priorities for the second half of this decade, stressing the need to build a high-level teaching workforce, expand high-standard opening up of the education sector, and comprehensively improve the quality and level of public education services. The plan also calls for better coordination and allocation of educational resources across regions, aiming to reduce disparities and ensure more equitable access to quality education throughout the country.
The meeting also reviewed and approved the 15th Five-Year Plan for building a Beautiful China, a comprehensive environmental initiative that calls for improving the ecosystem in a coordinated manner, actively responding to climate change, and accelerating the development of green production and lifestyles. This plan aligns with China long-term environmental goals and its commitments under international climate frameworks, signaling continued focus on sustainable development as a national priority. The plan emphasizes coordinated ecosystem improvement and the transition toward low-carbon development pathways.
In addition to these forward-looking plans, the meeting discussed and approved in principle a draft revision of the Road Traffic Safety Law. The draft revision will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People Congress for formal deliberation, representing an important update to China legal framework governing road safety and traffic management in an era of rapidly evolving transportation technologies.
The breadth of topics covered in this single executive meeting underscores the State Council comprehensive approach to governance. From fiscal accountability and science policy to education reform, environmental protection, and traffic safety legislation, the decisions made at this session will have far-reaching implications for China policy landscape. As China continues to implement its long-term development strategies, these executive meetings serve as crucial platforms for translating national priorities into concrete, actionable policies that affect every sector of society.
The 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030 represents a critical phase in China modernization journey, and the plans approved at this meeting will shape policy directions across multiple sectors in the years ahead, reinforcing the country commitment to high-quality development and comprehensive national rejuvenation.
Sources: gov.cn/SCIO
