https://www.scmp.com/rss/33042/feed Latest news and updates about the National People's Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature. It holds one full session annually to vote on new laws and amendments, and review government’s work and policies. The NPC has about 3,000 members who are elected for five-year terms. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia closely follow the annual “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies. What set them apart this year is that they also followed the endorsement of the country’s 15th five-year plan. Therefore, they have been an opportunity for Chinese leaders to engage directly with foreign officials and business leaders to explain China’s economic strategy and policies. In the past, foreigners wondered how much of a five-year... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled support for a European Union-China trade deal, as rising tensions with the United States complicate Europe’s response to a growing flood of low-cost Chinese imports. Merz told German lawmakers on Wednesday he could envisage an agreement with China in “the longer term” among other trade accords. “We now need strategic partnerships around the world in order to strengthen ourselves, especially our exports,” he said. The comments highlight an emerging split... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348115/merz-floats-eu-china-deal-trumps-new-beijing-date-european-lawmakers-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348115/merz-floats-eu-china-deal-trumps-new-beijing-date-european-lawmakers-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:01:16 +0000 Finbarr Bermingham Finbarr Bermingham After eight years in the deep freeze, the European Parliament is sending an official delegation to China next week in the clearest sign yet that Beijing’s targeted lobbying blitz of its members is paying off. Seven members from the parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) will travel to Beijing and Shanghai alongside Engin Eroglu, head of its China delegation. They will meet officials, customs and port authorities, lawmakers and companies, including Shein and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348098/european-parliament-heads-china-after-8-years-members-say-its-no-sign-giving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348098/european-parliament-heads-china-after-8-years-members-say-its-no-sign-giving?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:55:21 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The performance of the new Legislative Council continues to draw scrutiny. The recent call from Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang for Legco to deliver more “practical outcomes” that align with the city’s actual conditions and Beijing’s expectations under the executive-led system has prompted more soul-searching on ways to enhance governance. The aspiration for better results under the new approach is evident. It has been suggested that Legco borrow tools from the mainland. Drawing inspiration from the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347322/legco-could-refer-mainland-experience-boosting-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347322/legco-could-refer-mainland-experience-boosting-efficiency?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:15:15 +0000 Cliff Buddle Cliff Buddle The role of foreign judges on Hong Kong’s top court has become controversial in recent years, amid geopolitical tensions and criticism in the West of the city’s national security law. A wave of departures, with some judges citing political concerns, has depleted their number. Now, there are only six, down from 15 in 2020. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung warned last year that appointing judges of the right stature and experience “may be less straightforward than it once was”. The death of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3347440/masons-legacy-lies-reputation-he-helped-forge-hong-kongs-final-court?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3347440/masons-legacy-lies-reputation-he-helped-forge-hong-kongs-final-court?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:33:53 +0000 Lizzi C. Lee,Huiyan Li Lizzi C. Lee,Huiyan Li During a press conference of the annual “two sessions”, National People’s Congress spokesperson Lou Qinjian referenced the grass-roots football league Suchao or Su Super League, which drew millions of spectators in Chinese stadiums last year. At a time when boosting domestic demand tops Beijing’s economic agenda, discussing an amateur sports tournament at the national podium goes beyond mere cultural commentary. It hints at something broader about how policymakers are approaching the consumption... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347017/china-struggles-boost-demand-no-one-size-fits-all-solution-will-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347017/china-struggles-boost-demand-no-one-size-fits-all-solution-will-work?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:30:08 +0000 Cui Jianchun Cui Jianchun On February 10, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. This is the third white paper issued by the Chinese central government on Hong Kong-related affairs since 2014. It reviews Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, elaborates on the central government’s stance on Hong Kong’s role in maintaining national security and summarises the experience and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346515/how-national-security-and-one-country-two-systems-go-hand-hand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346515/how-national-security-and-one-country-two-systems-go-hand-hand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu After the annual “two sessions” in Beijing, it’s clear that Hong Kong policymakers have their work cut out for them. It has been made abundantly clear what is expected of Hong Kong: stop messing around and get on with the national programme. Hong Kong is part of the nation’s plans to move forward. The country knows exactly where the city fits into the big picture, how it can catapult growth in key areas and play the role of superconnector between China and the rest of the world. The 15th... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang The sole female senior officer aboard China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier has urged women to put aside their gender and focus on professionalism and responsibility. On March 7, during the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, a poised and confident female military deputy in uniform captured nationwide attention. Zhu Yuemeng, 36, from a modest family in Jilin province, northeastern China, is a naval lieutenant colonel and serves as a political instructor on board the Liaoning aircraft... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3346243/china-liaoning-warships-sole-female-senior-officer-urges-fellow-women-prioritise-professional-skills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3346243/china-liaoning-warships-sole-female-senior-officer-urges-fellow-women-prioritise-professional-skills?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Coco Feng Coco Feng Aridge, the flying-car developer backed by Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng, has raised nearly US$200 million in fresh funding as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong this year. Existing investors including GL Ventures, the venture capital arm of Hillhouse Investment, and HongShan – formerly Sequoia China – participated in the latest round, according to a statement released on Friday. The fundraising brings Aridge’s total equity financing to about US$1... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3346597/flying-car-dreams-gain-altitude-xpeng-affiliate-aridge-raises-us200-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3346597/flying-car-dreams-gain-altitude-xpeng-affiliate-aridge-raises-us200-million?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:43:40 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should move beyond a “city-centred” approach that merely seeks Beijing’s policy support and instead take steps to align with national priorities by advancing the internationalisation of the yuan and supporting mainland Chinese enterprises’ global expansion, observers have said as this year’s “two sessions” came to a close. With the annual political gathering ending amid the widening war in the Middle East, observers also said Beijing would expect local companies to pursue investments... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:23 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi Two prominent Chinese business leaders have pledged to double down on outbound investment – including in the Middle East and Latin America – even as geopolitical risks intensify following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran and Washington’s increasing interventions in the western hemisphere. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL, said the recent crisis in the Middle East had only a temporary impact on the company’s operations there and that the overall... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3346500/top-chinese-entrepreneurs-commit-middle-east-expansion-despite-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3346500/top-chinese-entrepreneurs-commit-middle-east-expansion-despite-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Some Chinese lawmakers and advisers are pushing to secure higher pensions for elderly farmers, underscoring the persistent income disparity between the country’s urban and rural residents. The latest government work report, approved on Thursday, confirmed a 20-yuan (US$2.91) monthly increase to basic pension payments for a third consecutive year, bringing the national minimum to 163 yuan. However, some deputies from China’s top legislature contend that this level is inadequate. “A pension of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies have concluded with the passage of major resolutions. A number of things set it apart. One is the endorsement by lawmakers of the nation’s 15th five-year plan – a road map with which Hong Kong is aligning its development. The other is that despite the distractions of war in the Middle East between rival power the United States and economic partner Iran, and the roller-coaster impact on the price of oil, China’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang China has passed a new law on ethnic unity, creating a legal framework that analysts say is designed to counter Western ideological influence and provide a statutory mandate for assimilating the country’s minority groups. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was formally endorsed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, at the end of the annual “two sessions” on Thursday. The law was adopted by a near-unanimous vote of 2,756 in favour, with just three against... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:04:06 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should step up education on Chinese history and culture while highlighting security threats to cultivate public awareness about the need to defend the country, experts have said, as the nation’s legislature is set to pass a law promoting ethnic unity. The expert’s comments came ahead of the closing session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Thursday, which is due to pass the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The law aims to forge a strong “sense of community for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Beijing could gain a strategic edge in the Taiwan Strait as US military assets are diverted to the Middle East, even though it remains committed to peaceful reunification, a prominent mainland expert on the Taiwan issue said on Tuesday. Li Yihu, dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Peking University and a deputy to China’s National People’s Congress, said Washington’s involvement in multiple conflicts, including the ongoing war in Iran, was straining its armed forces and diminishing its... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346239/china-stands-gain-us-moving-military-assets-iran-war-cross-strait-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346239/china-stands-gain-us-moving-military-assets-iran-war-cross-strait-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:30 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s ongoing “two sessions”. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Taiwan, trade war, PLA and AI: Li Qiang lays out priorities at ‘two sessions’ China’s premier pledged to champion “orderly” multipolarism and “inclusive” globalisation at the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. 2. Xi Jinping calls on China’s provincial powerhouses to lead in tech, risk control President... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:15:08 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi Despite its heavy reliance on oil and gas imports, China’s “national strength” insulates its energy security from short-term geopolitical shocks, a prominent petroleum geologist said. Jin Zhijun, dean of the Institute of Energy at Peking University, said that China – as a large country – could ensure its energy security amid a volatile international energy trading landscape, with multiple contingency plans in place. They included tapping more domestic resources by increasing oil and gas... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346173/chinas-size-strength-insulates-its-energy-security-amid-geopolitical-shocks-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346173/chinas-size-strength-insulates-its-energy-security-amid-geopolitical-shocks-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:30:15 +0000 Amber Wang,Alcott Wei Amber Wang,Alcott Wei The Chinese defence minister has signalled strategic caution with his call for the country to “shape” a stable environment for Beijing’s broader political and diplomatic agenda, according to analysts. Dong Jun made the call on Friday during a group discussion involving military and armed police lawmakers at the country’s annual legislative gathering in Beijing. According to meeting minutes released to the media, Dong stressed four times in his fewer than 400-word remarks that the military’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346113/stability-comes-first-chinese-defence-chief-signals-beijings-strategic-caution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346113/stability-comes-first-chinese-defence-chief-signals-beijings-strategic-caution?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:32 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong could emerge as the world’s leading financial centre as the central government pushes to internationalise the yuan – a move that will advance the nation’s development under the 15th five-year plan while also driving the city’s own growth, a National People’s Congress (NPC) deputy has said. Li Yinquan said the city stood to benefit from increased capital as the yuan became more internationalised, since most global renminbi reserves and transaction volumes would naturally be held in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346011/hong-kong-tipped-be-worlds-top-financial-centre-amid-global-yuan-expansion-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346011/hong-kong-tipped-be-worlds-top-financial-centre-amid-global-yuan-expansion-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:30:11 +0000 Ling Xin Ling Xin China should not follow SpaceX in launching artificial intelligence data centres into orbit, but instead focus on more practical near-term space-based computing, a senior researcher has said. Gao Wen, a computer scientist at Peking University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said on Thursday that electricity demand was not a major bottleneck for AI data centres in China, meaning there was little reason to move them into space. In a Sina News interview during the annual “two... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345685/china-cant-buy-elon-musks-theory-space-based-ai-centres-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345685/china-cant-buy-elon-musks-theory-space-based-ai-centres-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:30:08 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang China’s highest court says that while it handles AI-related cases with care it has allowed room for the country’s artificial intelligence industry to innovate and make mistakes, according to its annual report. Supreme People’s Court president Zhang Jun told the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative body, on Monday that the court had “promoted the orderly development of artificial intelligence” last year. Delivering the supreme court’s work report, Zhang said China’s courts... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345999/chinas-top-court-says-it-treats-ai-cases-care-without-stifling-growth-or-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345999/chinas-top-court-says-it-treats-ai-cases-care-without-stifling-growth-or-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:12:01 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Beijing has hailed as a success the sentencing and execution of leaders of a Myanmar crime syndicate, vowing to punish all who harm the rights of Chinese citizens overseas. During a plenary meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Monday, Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People’s Court, said in a report that Chinese courts closed 41,000 criminal cases related to telecoms and online fraud last year, up 1.2 per cent from 2024. “Sixteen principal criminals of the ‘four families’ crime... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345977/china-extols-myanmar-gang-executions-pledging-protect-citizens-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345977/china-extols-myanmar-gang-executions-pledging-protect-citizens-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:17:13 +0000 Fan Hou Fan Hou To see every province-level region’s growth target, view this Quick Digest. https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:16:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The annual “two sessions” in Beijing are under way, and this year the annual ritual of reading tea leaves in this city has been made easier for politics watchers. That is because Beijing has been blunt about the problems it thinks our city faces. There is the usual praise for the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s leadership. One striking difference is that Premier Li Qiang included in his annual work report, delivered at the opening session of the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang Chinese President Xi Jinping has again sought to shore up the military’s ideological defences, demanding absolute loyalty to the Communist Party from all ranks, just weeks after the country’s top general came under investigation for corruption. “There must be no room within the military for those harbouring disloyalty towards the party, nor any shelter for corrupt individuals,” Xi told a meeting of military and armed police lawmakers on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Xinyi Wu,Ji Siqi Xinyi Wu,Ji Siqi China’s new five-year plan targets both industrial innovation and “people-oriented” livelihoods for all, according to officials with the country’s top economic planner. “The draft outline of the plan … focuses on consolidating and expanding strengths, removing bottlenecks and constraints, and addressing weaknesses and shortcomings,” Zheng Bei, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in Beijing on the sidelines of the “two sessions” on Saturday. The draft of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345822/innovation-plus-livelihoods-twin-tracks-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345822/innovation-plus-livelihoods-twin-tracks-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:30:13 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang The last uniformed man standing on China’s top military body has called for further “political rectification” of the armed forces, following a wave of high-profile corruption investigations. At a panel discussion in Beijing on Thursday as part of the country’s annual “two sessions”, Zhang Shengmin, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said this year was “crucial for fulfilling the goal for the centenary” of the People’s Liberation Army. “We must deepen political rectification,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:52:03 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has acknowledged it is no “easy task” to truly implement Hong Kong’s executive-led governance system, stressing that it must be a “shared responsibility” of the legislative and judicial branches and society as a whole. The state leader also urged the city to “grasp” the opportunities of China’s 15th five-year plan as he highlighted key areas such as quantum technology, aerospace and the low-altitude economy, while calling on local entrepreneurs to proactively... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:21:09 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang A top Chinese political adviser has sounded the alarm on forced marriages of women with mental disabilities in rural areas, calling for a prevention mechanism and a nationwide investigation campaign. Jiang Shengnan, a writer and member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, warned that tackling the issue presented multiple challenges. There was a lack of support for such women when it came to marriage-related decision-making, Jiang told... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345470/chinas-two-sessions-adviser-urges-end-forced-marriages-mentally-ill-rural-women?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345470/chinas-two-sessions-adviser-urges-end-forced-marriages-mentally-ill-rural-women?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:12:53 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Chinese Premier Li Qiang revealed in his work report to the annual session of the National People’s Congress a growth target of 4.5-5 per cent, compared with around 5 per cent for 2025. It will have to stay around that level for 10 years to achieve Beijing’s goal of turning China into a moderately developed country by 2035. The target, for the first year of the 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), has been set at a relatively moderate and realistic range to reflect the reality that externally, China... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345623/amid-external-uncertainties-china-steers-growth-and-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345623/amid-external-uncertainties-china-steers-growth-and-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Jianxi Liu Jianxi Liu China’s “two sessions” this year presents less of a story of an economic miracle than of transition: from high-speed to high-quality growth, and from dependence on external demand to a more resilient, innovation-driven economy. Against a backdrop of global tensions and fragmenting supply chains, Beijing is using this political moment to signal that it sees opportunity in adversity and is prepared to recalibrate its development model rather than cling to the habits of the boom years. For China,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3345552/chinas-two-sessions-show-plans-resilience-stormy-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3345552/chinas-two-sessions-show-plans-resilience-stormy-world?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:30:09 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma China set the lowest economic growth target since 1991 as the country contends with global trade tensions, weak domestic demand and rising debt from white elephant investments. A target range for growth of 4.5 to 5 per cent, “while striving for better in practice” was announced by Premier Li Qiang as he delivered the annual government work report on the opening day of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the annual legislative gathering. That marks a reduction from “around 5 per cent” in each... https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345566/chinas-growth-target-cut-reflects-pragmatism-amid-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345566/chinas-growth-target-cut-reflects-pragmatism-amid-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:45:18 +0000 Vanessa Cai Vanessa Cai China will focus on economic resilience as lawmakers gather in Beijing for the country’s annual legislative session – just days before US President Donald Trump touches down in the Chinese capital. Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the National People’s Congress, outlined the NPC’s agenda on Wednesday, taking the opportunity to also stress that China will not compromise on core principles in dealing with the United States. The NPC will run for eight days from Thursday, and during the gathering, China’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345464/china-vows-boost-economy-adhere-principles-ahead-two-sessions-and-trump-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345464/china-vows-boost-economy-adhere-principles-ahead-two-sessions-and-trump-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:03:01 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Beijing has built military capacity and strengthened political resolve but needs to project a more credible deterrence as it steps up unification with Taiwan over the next five years, according to a mainland Chinese policy adviser. Li Yihu, dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Peking University, said the reunification process would enter an “accelerated phase” in the next five years and the mainland needed to do more to communicate an understanding of what he said was the inevitability of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345400/whats-one-big-thing-missing-beijings-taiwan-deterrence-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345400/whats-one-big-thing-missing-beijings-taiwan-deterrence-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:20 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Beijing will roll out further favourable measures for Hong Kong while the coming 15th five-year plan will also step up support for the city in leveraging its unique strengths, a spokesman for the nation’s legislature has said. National People’s Congress (NPC) spokesman Lou Qinjian said on Wednesday that the central government would make further arrangements in the 15th five-year plan to support Hong Kong in “leveraging its unique strengths and to perform a significant role”. “More beneficial... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:42:57 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged the city to focus on development amid heightening geopolitical tensions and to cherish its hard-earned stability, according to local delegates visiting the capital for the annual “two sessions” political gatherings. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), also said on Tuesday that the city enjoyed “favourable timing, advantageous location and unity of the people” in pursuing development, while calling for work on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:41:24 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen China has revoked the political advisory seats of three generals, including two who previously held key positions in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ground force, as the anti-corruption drive continues within the top brass and defence industry. Han Weiguo, Gao Jin and Liu Lei were removed from membership of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and their respective roles in its Standing Committee and relevant special committees, the political advisory body said on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345215/generals-stripped-cppcc-roles-chinas-corruption-clean-continues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345215/generals-stripped-cppcc-roles-chinas-corruption-clean-continues?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:09 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang Chinese military academics have stepped up calls to overhaul defence language training, arguing that linguistic proficiency has become as critical as firepower in modern warfare – a lesson starkly underscored by the Ukraine war. Among them is Lu Danyun, a professor at the military-affiliated National University of Defence Technology and a representative on China’s top lawmaking body, the National People’s Congress. In a report published in the official People’s Liberation Army (PLA) newspaper,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345144/language-weapon-pla-academics-push-training-overhaul-cite-ukraine-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345144/language-weapon-pla-academics-push-training-overhaul-cite-ukraine-war?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hundreds of Hong Kong politicians and business leaders head to Beijing on Tuesday for the nation’s annual “two sessions”, with observers expecting discussions to focus on the city’s role as an international financial centre and the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The annual session of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), will commence on Wednesday, followed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s legislature,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345179/two-sessions-focus-hong-kongs-financial-role-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345179/two-sessions-focus-hong-kongs-financial-role-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:30:13 +0000 Zhang Shidong Zhang Shidong Ahead of China’s annual legislative meetings – typically a window into Beijing’s top-level policy agenda – this is the sixth entry in a series examining the complex economic recalibration driving China’s growth philosophy and its wide-ranging implications for local governments, financial investors and private enterprises. Stock investors will zero in on China’s annual parliamentary gathering this week for signals it could revive equity momentum, as fears of artificial intelligence-driven... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345073/investors-lock-npc-markets-seek-policy-lift-amid-ai-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345073/investors-lock-npc-markets-seek-policy-lift-amid-ai-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:30:07 +0000 Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow Chinese lawmakers gather next week for the annual “two sessions” legislative meetings, where they will approve the 15th five-year plan and likely see a shift towards less emphasis on economic growth. Premier Li Qiang will summarise the new five-year plan and announce the 2026 GDP target on March 5, the first day of meetings for the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature. Lawmakers will likely give near-unanimous support to the plan, which runs through 2030, when the meeting... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3344851/two-sessions-trump-tariffs-jdcom-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3344851/two-sessions-trump-tariffs-jdcom-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:08 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/series/3344840/two-sessions-chinas-economic-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/series/3344840/two-sessions-chinas-economic-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:34:38 +0000 Victoria Bela Victoria Bela China’s top legislature has removed nine military officials from its list of deputies ahead of Beijing’s biggest annual political meeting next week, according to state news agency Xinhua. The National People’s Congress (NPC) updated its list of deputies from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Armed Police delegation on Thursday, reducing the total to 243. Among the deputies removed were five full generals, one lieutenant general and three major generals. The five generals are... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3344768/chinas-top-legislature-removes-9-military-officials-ahead-beijings-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3344768/chinas-top-legislature-removes-9-military-officials-ahead-beijings-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:57:48 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Beijing is encouraging equity investors to pursue representative action against unscrupulous listed or delisted firms in an apparent effort to bolster confidence in the country’s stock markets, as trading resumed on Tuesday following a 10-day break. The Supreme People’s Court, mainland China’s highest judicial organ, also announced at a press conference that it would issue more edicts on civil compensation for insider trading and market manipulation to better safeguard retail investors’... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3344453/chinas-top-court-backs-legal-action-against-corrupt-firms-amid-equity-markets-rally?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3344453/chinas-top-court-backs-legal-action-against-corrupt-firms-amid-equity-markets-rally?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:20 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China has removed three senior defence industry executives, including a nuclear weapons expert, from the national legislature as part of a deepening anti-corruption campaign. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Wednesday said it had expelled Liu Cangli, former president of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, Luo Qi, chief engineer of the China National Nuclear Corporation, and Zhou Xinmin, former chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. It did not say... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342411/china-expels-defence-industry-officials-legislature-amid-corruption-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342411/china-expels-defence-industry-officials-legislature-amid-corruption-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:49:39 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong Beijing has recently targeted tax incentives in telecoms and other select industries after fiscal revenue dropped sharply in late 2025, fuelling market speculation of similar, larger-scale moves and triggering volatility. Here, we examine the latest developments and outline how economists view the changes. What has the Chinese government announced? Beijing has moved to boost government finances by tightening tax incentives and raising preferential rates across several sectors, following a sharp... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342339/china-raises-taxes-some-sectors-boost-finances-one-fix-or-tough-times-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342339/china-raises-taxes-some-sectors-boost-finances-one-fix-or-tough-times-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:40:20 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters China’s government is likely to set this year’s economic growth target in a range between 4.5 per cent and 5 per cent, according to three sources briefed on the matter. Such a target would indicate a tolerance for a modest deceleration from last year’s 5 per cent gross domestic product growth as Beijing highlights the importance of “high-quality” development and urges local officials to embrace “the right concept of political performance”, the sources said. The range, if confirmed, would serve... https://www.scmp.com/economy/economic-indicators/article/3340889/china-set-gdp-growth-range-providing-policy-flexibility-2026-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/economic-indicators/article/3340889/china-set-gdp-growth-range-providing-policy-flexibility-2026-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:00:09 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong delegates to China’s top political advisory body are a “steadfast patriotic force” and make an important contribution to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. The city leader praised the delegates of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Wednesday as he hosted Jiang Zuojun, vice-chairman of the body’s 14th National Committee, at Government House. The meeting took place less than two months before the fourth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:45:32 +0000