Beijing’s annual “two sessions” event captures global attention, showcasing the Communist Party’s operations. The National People’s Congress enacts laws and sets economic goals, while the Political Consultative Conference allows for legislative proposals. Despite its ceremonial nature, real power lies with Xi Jinping and the Politburo. This year’s focus is on addressing economic stagnation and ambitious growth targets, with implications for global markets and foreign policy, particularly regarding the U.S. and Taiwan.
Annual Political Spotlight in Beijing
Every year, Beijing transforms into a fortified zone, capturing the attention of the world. The state media buzzes with activity as all eyes focus on the Great Hall of the People, the venue for the much-anticipated “two sessions.” This event offers one of the few glimpses into the inner workings of the Communist Party, even though the proceedings are meticulously scripted and decisions are often finalized behind closed doors. Nevertheless, the significance of this gathering cannot be overstated.
Historically, the “two sessions” have been a platform for unexpected developments. For instance, in 2018, the National People’s Congress removed term limits for Xi Jinping, paving the way for his potential lifelong leadership. More recently, Premier Li Qiang’s decision to cancel the traditional press conference following the National People’s Congress limited opportunities for journalists to directly challenge the government.
Understanding the “Two Sessions”
The “two sessions” represent a crucial political event within China’s one-party system, showcasing the Communist Party’s claim of being representative of the populace in the “People’s Republic of China.” This assembly comprises two distinct but complementary bodies.
During these sessions, the National People’s Congress is responsible for enacting laws, amending the constitution, and approving the state budget. Premier Li Qiang inaugurates the congress by presenting the government’s work report, which outlines the economic growth targets and the state budget, with particular attention on military spending. Over the course of the week-long event, members engage in discussions within working groups, although significant alterations to the work report are uncommon.
Members of the Political Consultative Conference also play a role by proposing legislative initiatives to the government. For instance, a proposal advocating for in vitro fertilization rights for single women was introduced last year, reflecting a growing willingness to implement such suggestions, as indicated by research from political scientist Felix Liebrecht.
Beyond Ceremony: The Reality of Power
While the “two sessions” appear largely ceremonial, the actual authority resides with the Party’s Politburo and Xi Jinping. The legislation presented during the National People’s Congress typically undergoes extensive prior discussions, ensuring that the outcomes are predetermined by the time the congress convenes. Consequently, voting often becomes a mere formality, with minimal dissent.
The Political Consultative Conference, while largely symbolic, provides delegates with a genuine opportunity to influence political discourse through their proposals. This is why positions within the conference are highly sought after, representing prestige and influence within the nation.
Nonetheless, the “two sessions” serve an essential purpose. The proposals generated during the Consultative Conference offer insight into the prevailing sentiments across various sectors, including science, business, and women’s organizations. Analysts closely observe nuances in language and tone from the National People’s Congress, identifying shifts that could indicate the direction China is headed in the coming year.
This Year’s Focus and Global Implications
This year, China faces challenges with a stagnating economy and declining prices, raising skepticism about the government’s ability to achieve a projected growth rate of five percent in 2024. Experts from the Asia Society Strategic Policy Institute anticipate that the government will continue to target a five percent growth for 2025, mirroring previous years.
The government’s work report at the National People’s Congress will shed light on strategies to attain these ambitious goals. Observers will be keen to see how the government plans to manage debt, whether there will be additional incentives for businesses, or if social policies will be implemented to stimulate consumer spending.
The global community should remain attentive to these developments, as the trajectory of China’s economy significantly impacts worldwide economic growth, supply chains, and foreign investments. Additionally, shifts in foreign policy, particularly concerning the United States and the Taiwan issue, could emerge from Premier Li Qiang’s discussions, warranting close scrutiny as broader geopolitical dynamics unfold.