Premier Li Qiang Advocates for People-Centered Urbanization to Propel China's Development

Premier Li Qiang Outlines New Urbanization Vision

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, urged concerted efforts to implement a new people-centered urbanization strategy. Presiding over a State Council study session, Premier Li underscored the strategy's critical role in unleashing the potential of domestic demand, fostering the integrated development of urban and rural areas, and ultimately boosting China's overall economic and social progress.

The Premier highlighted that the new urbanization strategy is pivotal for expanding domestic demand, facilitating industrial upgrading, and strengthening the domestic economic circulation. He noted that while significant progress has been made in urbanization nationwide in recent years, China's urbanization is transitioning from a period of rapid growth to a more stable development stage. This shift necessitates a focus on enhancing the pertinence and effectiveness of urbanization efforts, especially as profound changes occur in the population structure, urban systems, and urban-rural development patterns.

Key Pillars of the People-Centered Approach

During the session, Premier Li Qiang outlined several key areas for the implementation of this strategy. He called for efforts to:

• Implement the new urbanization plan in a manner that is tailored to local conditions.
• Further optimize the layout of 'people, industry and city'.
• Address pressing issues faced by the rural migrant population, including challenges related to employment, social security, housing, and children's education, through more forceful and targeted measures.
• Advance the urban renewal initiative and steadily promote the construction of 'quality homes' and the high-quality development of the real estate sector.
• Strengthen the connection of infrastructure and industrial alignment between urban and rural areas to foster integrated urban-rural development.

Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, along with State Councilor Wang Xiaohong, also delivered speeches at the meeting, emphasizing the collective commitment to this strategic direction.

Broader Context of China's Urbanization Drive

The emphasis on a people-centered approach aligns with China's long-term National New-Type Urbanization Plan, initially launched in 2014. This overarching strategy aims to transition China's economy from an export-oriented model to one driven by increased domestic consumption. A core component of this plan involves the orderly urbanization of rural residents and their integration into urban society, addressing issues such as household registration (hukou) and ensuring access to essential public services like education and healthcare.

The ongoing efforts reflect a strategic move to ensure that urbanization benefits all residents, contributing to both economic vitality and social equity across the nation. The focus on 'quality homes' and urban renewal also highlights a commitment to improving the living environment and overall well-being of urban populations.