China’s annual Two Sessions meetings commence this week, as thousands of political and community delegates arrive in Beijing from across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Over the course of approximately two weeks, they will ratify legislation, personnel changes, and the budget during these meticulously organized meetings.
**What is the Two Sessions?**
The event is referred to as the “Two Sessions” because it encompasses the simultaneous annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The CPPCC serves as an advisory body with limited political power, yet it often presents innovative proposals on issues such as China’s demographic challenges. Its members include business leaders, celebrities, and notable figures, including past participants like actor Jackie Chan and basketball star Yao Ming. The NPC, comprising around 3,000 members, functions as the legislative body of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) but primarily acts as a “rubber stamp” parliament, having never rejected a proposed bill.
**What occurs during the meetings?**
The meetings feature “work report” speeches from the premier, and occasionally from the party leader. They set official economic targets, announce military budgets, and confirm changes in party leadership. Historically, the Two Sessions have been the backdrop for significant policy shifts; for instance, in 2023, Xi Jinping’s unprecedented third term as leader was formalized, and in 2020, the NPC introduced the national security law currently enforced in Hong Kong.
**What is different this year?**
This year, observers are particularly attentive to potential major economic stimulus measures aimed at revitalizing China’s struggling economy and addressing high youth unemployment, as well as shifts in the party’s stance towards the tech industry. After a period of tension with the sector, recent events have seen high-profile executives welcomed by Xi, as reported by state media. Additionally, there are likely to be statements regarding Taiwan, as Xi and the CCP have consistently expressed their intentions to annex the island, with the possibility of using force. The Taiwanese government and populace increasingly oppose the idea of Chinese governance, leading to a more hostile and precarious situation. Recent CCP rhetoric regarding Taiwan has become noticeably more aggressive, according to analysts monitoring the party’s carefully crafted communications. Furthermore, the backdrop of Donald Trump’s return and his tariffs on China adds another layer of complexity.
**Should we anticipate any controversies?**
The Two Sessions, like all CCP political gatherings, are meticulously planned down to the smallest detail, yet unexpected events can still occur. For example, during the 2022 Party Congress, Peng Lifa staged a courageous protest at Sitong Bridge in Beijing, resulting in his detention, with his whereabouts remaining unknown.
