On The Radar: China's Two Sessions
6 March 2025
This week is the biggest week in China’s political calendar: Two Sessions has begun. Two week-long concurrent meetings held by The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC) are happening this week, bringing thousands of political officials to Beijing. So what is this week all about?
What are the Two Sessions?
First up, the CPPCC is a gathering of China’s political advisory committee – on paper, it functions to provide lawmakers with policy suggestions across political and social issues, but in reality, it has no real legislative power.
Instead, it serves as a way to “present to a largely domestic audience a vital show of unity across differing social and ethnic groups in China” and functions as the overarching organisation of the United Front system.
In the past, a wide variety of advisers have appeared, including the likes of actor Jackie Chan and ex-NBA player Yao Ming. The CPPCC’s 2169 members also include representatives from China’s Special Administrative Regions, such as Hong Kong.
The NPC, on the other hand, is effectively China’s national parliament. In it, its 2977 members vote on major legislation, the annual government work report, and the central government’s budget. Globally, this NPC meeting is watched closely, as it shows China’s economic priorities in particular for the coming year.
The NPC is often referred to as a “rubber stamp” body as bills put forward to it are hardly ever rejected – although sometimes limited changes may be made.
Both the CPPCC and the NPC ultimately answer to the Chinese Communist Party. The two meetings are expected to wrap up on March 11.
What's on the agenda for these two sessions?
2025 brings a number of challenges globally – including for China, the looming shadow of a trade war sparked by tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
Unsurprisingly, China is expected to focus on economic stimulus and boosting domestic consumption, as the country deals with issues such as a slow housing market and reduced consumer spending.
Analysts have also expected AI to feature in policy announcements from Beijing – the success of DeepSeek and its capabilities highlighted China’s growing technological focus and prowess. But it is just one player in a fast-growing industry - especially as China looks beyond particularly as China, the ‘factory of the world’, looks beyond that title to advanced technologies.
Further Reading:
What to watch at China's Two Sessions in 2025 - Asia Society
Tightly choreographed Two Sessions opens in Beijing as the world order roils - The Guardian
Tariff to Climate: The Big Takeaways From China's Two Sessions - Sixth Tone
- Asia Media Centre