China will make new breakthroughs in “further deepening reforms across the board” while continuing to improve people’s living standards, according to a Thursday communique outlining decisions from the plenum, which affirmed the government’s medium- and long-term blueprints for social and economic development.

It highlighted the “solid foundation, numerous strengths, strong resilience and vast potential” of China’s economy while acknowledging heightened uncertainties in the external environment.

“We must have the courage to face major tests amid high winds, rough waves and even raging storms, and tackle difficulties, risks and challenges with a spirit of historical initiative – focusing on doing our own work well to write a new chapter in sustaining China’s economic growth and long-term social stability,” according to the communique, published by state news agency Xinhua.

The 15th five-year plan, which will guide China’s development from 2026 to 2030, takes on increased significance as the country confronts mounting obstacles to achieving its long-term ambitions – particularly amid fragile and volatile relations with the United States.

Beijing has faced external headwinds in recent years, notably from its trade war with Washington. Domestically, it has grappled with a series of economic challenges, including sluggish demand, a property crisis and demographic setbacks driven by a rapidly ageing population and a reluctance among young adults to have children.