The Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE

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Two Sessions 2021 (Lianghui)i

Two Sessions refers to China's annual parliamentary meetings, where the two main political bodies of China - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - reveal plans for China's policies involving the economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment and more.

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If Beijing’s electoral rollback is the stick while the push to resolve the housing problem – among other livelihood issues – is supposed to be the carrot, then most likely, Hong Kong people will end up with a heavy stick over their heads rather than a proper roof.

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The Communist Party of China will mark its 100th anniversary in July. In this series of explainers, the South China Morning Post looks into the past, present and future of the world’s second-largest political party.

Economist warns that ‘China’s population crisis is approaching’, with ‘increasingly severe’ economic and social problems, as Beijing’s policymakers have already begun to change their tune.

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But some pro-establishment legislators warn that it is also important to make sure the legislature, which will be expanded from 70 to 90 seats, is filled with experienced members.

Constitutional affairs chief Erick Tsang also reveals the government is studying whether opposition district councillors who resign rather than pledge allegiance will have to return public funds.

National People’s Congress Standing Committee endorses proposal expected to slash number of directly elected seats to Legislative Council, create vetting body to determine who can stand for election.

The Hong Kong-based One Country Two Systems Research Institute is hosting an event on Tuesday, which is being live streamed on scmp.com, examining China’s 14th five-year plan that was approved at the National People’s Congress earlier this month.

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Mere rhetoric and repressive actions will not help the central government achieve its purpose. Any changes to the city’s DNA must be voluntary.

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Deep-seated workplace bias in China’s labour market – on the basis of gender, age and education – has led many to believe that postponing retirement could make finding and keeping a job even more difficult.

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The pro-Beijing camp, stacked with vested interests, was never serious about solving the housing problem. The pro-democracy camp was all criticism and no solutions

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Pan-democrats criticise government officials for not understanding the needs of Hongkongers, but appear to be just as out of touch themselves.

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