BEIJING — China plans to expand both exports and imports next year as part of an effort to promote what officials describe as sustainable foreign trade, a senior economic policymaker said, according to state media.

Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, told an economic conference that China would continue opening its economy, pursue broader cooperation and seek balanced trade growth by boosting exports while also increasing imports. His remarks come as China’s massive trade surplus — now measured in the trillions of dollars — fuels friction with major trading partners and draws criticism from international institutions.

Han said authorities would promote service exports in 2026 and roll out policies aimed at lifting household incomes, increasing basic pension payments and easing what he called unreasonable restrictions that limit consumer spending. He also reiterated the government’s stance against deflationary price wars, known domestically as “involution,” where intense competition squeezes profits and weakens economic efficiency.

The International Monetary Fund has urged Beijing to shift away from export-driven growth and focus more heavily on domestic demand. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said this week that China’s size limits the benefits of further export expansion and warned that reliance on exports risks intensifying global trade tensions.

Economists have cautioned that China’s long-standing imbalance between production and consumption could undermine long-term growth, even as it supports short-term expansion. Chinese leaders said Thursday they would maintain a proactive fiscal policy next year to stimulate consumption and investment, with analysts expecting the government to aim for economic growth of about 5%.