Topic
TOPIC
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.
This year’s event will be the first after China dropped its three-year-old Covid-19 restrictions. It will see a major reshuffle of top government jobs including the premier. President Xi Jinping, who just secured a ground-breaking third term as party’s leader, is set to secure a third presidential term at the two sessions too.
It is the responsibility of delegates, including tycoons and former officials, to help map out economic and social development goals at a time of uncertainty.
Who will take on China’s biggest economic challenges?
- The country’s leadership faces daunting tasks as China emerges into a post-pandemic world
- The impact of decisions in critical areas such as technology and local government debt will be felt around the world
New heads of China’s regional advisory bodies may signal non-party outreach
Appointment of younger heads for regional Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conferences is a departure from previous norms.
Appointment of younger heads for regional Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conferences is a departure from previous norms.
China’s executive vice-premier Han Zheng tipped for vice-presidency
Han is the only outgoing member of the Politburo Standing Committee to retain his place on the National People’s Congress – a potentially significant clue.
Han is the only outgoing member of the Politburo Standing Committee to retain his place on the National People’s Congress – a potentially significant clue.
Taiwan affairs chief may become vice-chair of China’s political advisory body
Song Tao has a seat on the CPPCC for the next five years and sources say he could be promoted to vice-chair role.
Song Tao has a seat on the CPPCC for the next five years and sources say he could be promoted to vice-chair role.
Big Tech moguls step down from China’s top political advisory body
The founders of Baidu, NetEase and Sogou are no longer among the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference’s latest delegate list.
The founders of Baidu, NetEase and Sogou are no longer among the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference’s latest delegate list.
Hong Kong professionals join mainland China advisory body, with Xia set to bow out
Impending retirement of key Beijing official in charge of Hong Kong’s affairs follows replacement of liaison office chief.
Impending retirement of key Beijing official in charge of Hong Kong’s affairs follows replacement of liaison office chief.
China names Covid experts as new members of political advisory body
Infectious disease specialist Zhang Wenhong and China CDC chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou will join the CPPCC.
Infectious disease specialist Zhang Wenhong and China CDC chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou will join the CPPCC.
Hu Chunhua joins China top advisory body, set to depart as vice-premier
The one-time leadership contender who was left out of the Politburo in October is set for a ceremonial role at March sitting.
The one-time leadership contender who was left out of the Politburo in October is set for a ceremonial role at March sitting.
Ex-Hong Kong leader Tung to leave top advisory body, but no seat for Lam
Former chief executive Carrie Lam will not take up Tung’s seat contrary to earlier speculation by the pro-establishment camp.
Former chief executive Carrie Lam will not take up Tung’s seat contrary to earlier speculation by the pro-establishment camp.
How political and economic pressure led to Beijing’s zero-Covid U-turn
A wide range of factors – including protests, rising infection numbers and the heavy toll on the economy – accelerated the pace of reopening.
A wide range of factors – including protests, rising infection numbers and the heavy toll on the economy – accelerated the pace of reopening.
Chinese cities aim high on 2023 GDP even as policy outlook remains fuzzy
Some of China’s major economic engines are expecting economic growth to return to pre-pandemic levels this year after the country left its disruptive zero-Covid policy in 2022.
Some of China’s major economic engines are expecting economic growth to return to pre-pandemic levels this year after the country left its disruptive zero-Covid policy in 2022.
New Foreign Minister Qin Gang praises Americans, vows to prioritise US ties
The outgoing ambassador to Washington, whose promotion is seen as an effort by Beijing to stabilise relations, says he is seeking a ‘better China-US relationship’.
The outgoing ambassador to Washington, whose promotion is seen as an effort by Beijing to stabilise relations, says he is seeking a ‘better China-US relationship’.
China to hold annual legislative meeting in early March
Top leaders will be appointed at the NPC session; Xi Jinping is expected to be confirmed as president for a third time.
Top leaders will be appointed at the NPC session; Xi Jinping is expected to be confirmed as president for a third time.