TOPIC

Two Sessions 2023 (Lianghui)

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.

Video: The ‘two sessions’ – China’s most important political meetings of the year

29 Dec 2023 - 11:45AM

Semiconductors

China funds new ‘chiplet’ tech research projects to advance semiconductor goals

3 Aug 2023 - 1:58PM

China economy

Opinion | With the right keys, China is still a most attractive investment option

1 Apr 2023 - 8:15AMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

Vice-Premier He Lifeng to oversee China’s monetary issues, foreign investment

The 68-year-old Politburo member will take charge of China’s financial stability and security.

27 Mar 2023 - 7:14PMvideocam

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng is the former head of the country’s top economic planner, the NDRC. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong

Opinion | Signs for Hong Kong at China’s ‘two sessions’ were promising

The central government’s commitment to the ‘one country, two systems’ principle in Hong Kong was apparent at the country’s annual parliamentary meetings. However, the city must efficiently tackle challenges ranging from housing to innovation and technology development to meet the central government’s expectations.

26 Mar 2023 - 6:45AM

Li Qiang

China’s new cabinet leaders get to work, signalling their portfolios

Liu Guozhong begins work on agricultural affairs while Shen Yiqin takes on employment and civil affairs roles.

24 Mar 2023 - 7:36PM

Hong Kong politics

Chinese executive vice-premier to be Hong Kong and Macau affairs top official

Ding Xuexiang to lead office, which will answer to central leadership, but present head of ministerial-level office to stay on and help transition.

22 Mar 2023 - 3:16AM

Details of a shake-up of Beijing’s administration of Hong Kong and Macau were outlined by sources on Tuesday. Photo: May Tse

China economy

The View | China has shown its eagerness to do business and engage with the world

The signs are there: a pro-business cabinet, a big welcome for foreign investment and a big push for diplomacy, connectivity and sustainability. For many international companies, China will still be a major growth driver this year.

21 Mar 2023 - 3:45PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2023

Xi Jinping consolidates power at home, but attentions turn to overseas turbulence

In this edition of the Global Impact newsletter, we wrap up the events from the ‘two sessions’ and look ahead to what’s next after a busy few days of comings and goings in Beijing.

21 Mar 2023 - 2:00PMvideocam

Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo

Video | What to expect from China under third-term President Xi Jinping

23 Mar 2023 - 2:58PM

What to expect from China under third-term President Xi Jinping | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo

30:39

Hong Kong politics

Why did Beijing ‘elevate’ its top office for Hong Kong affairs?

The move will provide a clearer chain of command with other benefits such as greater efficiencies, but some ask whether high degree of autonomy will be affected.

13 Apr 2023 - 10:31AM

Observers have said the latest political reshuffle underscores Hong Kong’s importance to China’s overall development plans. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Science

China’s Communist Party to take science and tech reins to break US containment

New commission will centralise leadership, determining national strategy and goals.

18 Mar 2023 - 12:22AMvideocam

Communist Party politics

China’s party reforms strengthen control over finance, science and tech

Beijing’s latest restructuring plan bolsters ‘party-state’ and continues trend of consolidating party oversight over crucial domains, observers say

17 Mar 2023 - 9:36PMvideocam

China seeks to tighten grip with new social work department

The move ‘turbocharges’ efforts to extend party’s influence in private firms, industry associations and civil society, analyst says.

17 Mar 2023 - 6:30PMvideocam

The new department is seen as a move to strengthen control over non-public sectors and ensure social stability. Photo: Reuters

Video: China’s Li Qiang shakes off Shanghai Covid chaos to become new premier

17 Mar 2023 - 12:24PM

National People's Congress (NPC)

Why US is a factor in Xi Jinping’s Communist Party restructuring plans

The reform will give the party’s Central Committee more power over technology and finance, as well as Hong Kong and Macau affairs.

17 Mar 2023 - 9:23AMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Beijing’s top office on Hong Kong affairs gets revamp, will report to party chiefs

Xia Baolong, director of the current Hong Kong and Macau Office, will stay on as head of the new body to oversee the transition, sources say.

17 Mar 2023 - 4:42AM

Two Sessions 2022

New faces in Beijing after ‘two sessions’ is good news for Hong Kong: analysts

New executive vice-premier in Beijing, Ding Xuexiang, poised to take over oversight role for Hong Kong and Macau.

15 Mar 2023 - 9:37AMvideocam

New Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang (left) after the closing session of the National People’s Congress in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE

China’s Communist Party

How does China pick top officials? Beijing mouthpiece sheds new light

The criteria include being 68 or younger and having more than five years of experience in ministerial or provincial leadership roles, according to state media in rare disclosure about nomination and promotion rules.

15 Mar 2023 - 10:05AMvideocam

China economy

Chinese firms should better integrate into overseas communities, lawmaker urges

NPC deputy Li Dongsheng – founder of electronics giant TCL – is pushing multinationals to embrace globalisation rather than following the current trend toward less interconnectivity.

15 Mar 2023 - 9:20AM

Two Sessions 2023

As I see it | Mideast plan shows China’s strength but foreign affairs reshuffle intrigues

Observers and diplomats have voiced concerns about some promotions which were major departures from precedents and vaguely established criteria.

14 Mar 2023 - 7:41PMvideocam

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi (centre) with Ali Shamkhani (right), secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Saudi Arabian national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Two Sessions 2023

Are US sanctions to blame for deadlocked military engagement with China?

Washington shows no sign of lifting long-standing sanctions on China’s new defence minister, observers say.

27 May 2023 - 3:20PMvideocam

General Li Shangfu takes an oath after being elected as state councillor during the National People’s Congress in Beijing. He was also appointed as defence minister. Photo: Kyodo

Li Qiang

Li Qiang launches drive for confidence in China’s private economy

Li pledges support for entrepreneurs and says the country will open further to foreign players.

14 Mar 2023 - 3:20AMvideocam

Two Sessions 2023

China’s Xi vows ‘peaceful’ Taiwan ties as caution marks tone from Beijing

President Xi Jinping’s pledge to seek ‘peaceful development’ of cross-strait relations seen as part of consistent messaging on Taiwan.

14 Mar 2023 - 11:40AMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

Chinese premier stays close to home in his first big turn on national stage

Li addresses few international issues in his debut press conference after the close of the national legislature’s annual session.

14 Mar 2023 - 11:41AMvideocam

Chinese Premier Li Qiang Li did not touch on challenging questions such as security or Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP

Video | Xi Jinping stresses party leadership at closing of NPC

13 Mar 2023 - 8:18PM

Xi Jinping stresses party leadership as parliament draws to close

04:53

Communist Party politics

‘Two sessions’: Li Qiang brings ‘down-to-earth’ style as premier

The former governor of Zhejiang expects bureaucrats to get out of the office and find solutions in the grass roots.

14 Mar 2023 - 11:43AMvideocam

Video | First press conference by China's new No. 2

13 Mar 2023 - 5:50PM

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Two Sessions 2023 (Lianghui)

Video: The ‘two sessions’ – China’s most important political meetings of the year

China funds new ‘chiplet’ tech research projects to advance semiconductor goals

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | With the right keys, China is still a most attractive investment option

Vice-Premier He Lifeng to oversee China’s monetary issues, foreign investment

The 68-year-old Politburo member will take charge of China’s financial stability and security.

Opinion | Signs for Hong Kong at China’s ‘two sessions’ were promising

China’s new cabinet leaders get to work, signalling their portfolios

Liu Guozhong begins work on agricultural affairs while Shen Yiqin takes on employment and civil affairs roles.

Chinese executive vice-premier to be Hong Kong and Macau affairs top official

Ding Xuexiang to lead office, which will answer to central leadership, but present head of ministerial-level office to stay on and help transition.

The View | China has shown its eagerness to do business and engage with the world

The signs are there: a pro-business cabinet, a big welcome for foreign investment and a big push for diplomacy, connectivity and sustainability. For many international companies, China will still be a major growth driver this year.

Xi Jinping consolidates power at home, but attentions turn to overseas turbulence

In this edition of the Global Impact newsletter, we wrap up the events from the ‘two sessions’ and look ahead to what’s next after a busy few days of comings and goings in Beijing.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | What to expect from China under third-term President Xi Jinping

Why did Beijing ‘elevate’ its top office for Hong Kong affairs?

The move will provide a clearer chain of command with other benefits such as greater efficiencies, but some ask whether high degree of autonomy will be affected.

China’s Communist Party to take science and tech reins to break US containment

New commission will centralise leadership, determining national strategy and goals.

China’s party reforms strengthen control over finance, science and tech

Beijing’s latest restructuring plan bolsters ‘party-state’ and continues trend of consolidating party oversight over crucial domains, observers say

China seeks to tighten grip with new social work department

The move ‘turbocharges’ efforts to extend party’s influence in private firms, industry associations and civil society, analyst says.

Video: China’s Li Qiang shakes off Shanghai Covid chaos to become new premier

Why US is a factor in Xi Jinping’s Communist Party restructuring plans

The reform will give the party’s Central Committee more power over technology and finance, as well as Hong Kong and Macau affairs.

Beijing’s top office on Hong Kong affairs gets revamp, will report to party chiefs

Xia Baolong, director of the current Hong Kong and Macau Office, will stay on as head of the new body to oversee the transition, sources say.

New faces in Beijing after ‘two sessions’ is good news for Hong Kong: analysts

New executive vice-premier in Beijing, Ding Xuexiang, poised to take over oversight role for Hong Kong and Macau.

How does China pick top officials? Beijing mouthpiece sheds new light

The criteria include being 68 or younger and having more than five years of experience in ministerial or provincial leadership roles, according to state media in rare disclosure about nomination and promotion rules.

Chinese firms should better integrate into overseas communities, lawmaker urges

NPC deputy Li Dongsheng – founder of electronics giant TCL – is pushing multinationals to embrace globalisation rather than following the current trend toward less interconnectivity.

As I see it | Mideast plan shows China’s strength but foreign affairs reshuffle intrigues

Observers and diplomats have voiced concerns about some promotions which were major departures from precedents and vaguely established criteria.

Are US sanctions to blame for deadlocked military engagement with China?

Washington shows no sign of lifting long-standing sanctions on China’s new defence minister, observers say.

Li Qiang launches drive for confidence in China’s private economy

Li pledges support for entrepreneurs and says the country will open further to foreign players.

China’s Xi vows ‘peaceful’ Taiwan ties as caution marks tone from Beijing

President Xi Jinping’s pledge to seek ‘peaceful development’ of cross-strait relations seen as part of consistent messaging on Taiwan.

Chinese premier stays close to home in his first big turn on national stage

Li addresses few international issues in his debut press conference after the close of the national legislature’s annual session.

Video | Xi Jinping stresses party leadership at closing of NPC

‘Two sessions’: Li Qiang brings ‘down-to-earth’ style as premier

The former governor of Zhejiang expects bureaucrats to get out of the office and find solutions in the grass roots.

Video | First press conference by China's new No. 2

Opinion | With the right keys, China is still a most attractive investment option

Video | What to expect from China under third-term President Xi Jinping