China's NDRC Outlines Priorities for Private Sector, Energy, and Networks

On June 18, 2026, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held its monthly press conference led by Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office and spokesperson. The briefing focused on legal protections for the private economy, the 2026 National Energy Conservation Publicity Week, and progress on the 'two new' policy framework encouraging equipment updates and consumer trade-ins. NDRC officials also answered questions from over 70 journalists regarding computing power grids, market-based trading of transmission rights, coal safety, and project management for high-energy, high-emission facilities.

The briefing addresses critical market and policy topics, including legal guarantees for private enterprises, nationwide equipment upgrades, consumer goods trade-ins, and digital energy infrastructure. It serves as an essential indicator for evaluating short- to medium-term policy implementation and macroeconomic structural reforms in China.

On the morning of June 18, 2026, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) hosted its monthly press conference in Beijing, outlining major policy priorities spanning private sector development, green transitions, and market infrastructure upgrades. Li Chao, deputy director of the NDRC's Policy Research Office and official spokesperson, chaired the press event. Li introduced arrangements for the 2026 National Energy Conservation Publicity Week and shared typical operational cases demonstrating the implementation of the Private Economy Promotion Law. The conference attracted attendance from over 70 journalists representing more than 60 domestic and international media organizations. During the Q&A session, media attention focused heavily on the execution and outcomes of the 'two new' policies, which aim to encourage large-scale equipment updates alongside consumer goods trade-ins. Spokespersons also responded to inquiries regarding China's broader industrial competitiveness and strict project management targeted at 'two high' facilities—referring to projects featuring high energy consumption and elevated emissions levels. Network infrastructure and market-oriented resource allocation formed another pillar of the briefing. NDRC officials detailed ongoing initiatives regarding computing power network development, logistics network enhancements, and the implementation of market-based trading for power transmission rights. These efforts aim to streamline national supply chains and improve energy market efficiency across diverse regional networks. Finally, the commission addressed energy security and administrative reform measures. Representatives outlined strategies for maintaining coal production safety while guaranteeing stable fuel supplies to satisfy demand. The NDRC also emphasized the broader rollout of tested experiences from regional comprehensive reform pilots, aiming to standardize operational practices and foster sustainable macroeconomic growth.