China plans to increase both exports and imports in 2026 to strengthen domestic demand and ensure more sustainable trade growth, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.

The announcement comes as Beijing faces pressure to address its trade imbalance, with the country recording a surplus of more than US$1 trillion in the first 11 months of this year. Officials said greater openness will be part of the solution.

Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission's general office, told an annual conference hosted by the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges that expanding trade flows will support long-term development.