What to expect at China’s ‘two sessions’ and why this year is a bit different

Next week’s annual “two sessions”, or lianghui, will be closely watched as China’s political elites and lawmakers set the policy agenda for regaining economic growth and charting a course through the evolving trade war and hi-tech race with the US.

Top political advisory body the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference meets from Tuesday, with the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature, opening its session a day later. Proceedings are expected to last about a week.

The meetings will deliberate on and approve the policy plans that will guide China’s economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment, and other strategic areas in the months ahead.

This year’s focus is expected to be on the domestic challenges of restoring confidence and tackling economic pressures, while dealing with the uncertainties of external headwinds in the form of US President Donald Trump’s shifting policies.

What is special this year?

While all eyes will be on policies that address private sector confidence, fiscal strategies, long-term reform plans, and bilateral relations during Trump’s second term, it is also the final year of the decade-long plan dubbed “Made in China 2025”.

  

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