China issues early 2026 investment plan for 'Two Major' projects worth US$42 billion

China's state planner has released early investment plans for 2026, including two major construction projects, involving about 295 billion yuan (HK$328.18 billion) in central budget funding, in its latest effort to boost investment and support economic growth.

The National Development and Reform Commission said on Wednesday it has also recently approved or cleared a number of large infrastructure projects, including Guangzhou's new airport, water resource facilities and major scientific research platforms with a total investment exceeding 400 billion yuan.

The projects "will further improve China's modern infrastructure system and provide strong support for a smooth start to the 15th Five-Year Plan," National Development and Reform Commission spokesperson Li Chao told a press conference on Wednesday.

The world's second-largest economy allocated 800 billion yuan in 2025 for its "Two Major" programmes, which focus on major national projects and key security-related capacity building as the Chinese government works to stabilise growth amid economic headwinds while strengthening infrastructure, energy and resource security.

REUTERS