BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China's economic growth target for 2026 is "proactive and pragmatic," reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment, an official said Thursday.

The target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent economic growth, while striving to achieve better results in practice, is intended to strike a balance between what is needed and what is feasible, said Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year's government work report, which was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation earlier in the day.

Shen said the target range leaves room for structural adjustment, risk prevention and reforms while remaining broadly aligned with the country's 2035 vision.

It preserves flexibility to respond to a more complex external environment, allows local governments to tailor regional goals, and helps steer attention toward high-quality development, he stressed.

The target is also consistent with China's growth potential, Shen said, noting that many economic institutions, economists and think tanks at home and abroad have run their own estimates and found results broadly in line with the government's expectations.

The projected pace would also be among the highest for major economies globally, the official said.

China's economic resilience, the growth of new quality productive forces, more proactive macro policies and deeper reforms in key areas will help unlock further potential, Shen added.

"As long as we make full and effective use of all favorable conditions, we can fully strive for better results, achieving a tangible improvement in quality and a reasonable increase in quantity," he said.  ■