China's National People's Congress, the ceremonial legislature, is set to convene in Beijing on Thursday, unveiling the nation's policy direction and economic goals for the coming years. The Congress, alongside its advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will ratify new laws decided by China's Communist Party leadership, with the National People's Congress members voting almost unanimously. The Two Sessions, as the political meetings are known, have evolved under President Xi Jinping, with tighter scripts and less scope for debate. This shift has sparked controversy, as Alfred Wu, a professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore, notes, "A long, long time ago, it was a venue for policy deliberation, even controversial things. Now it’s very much become a showcase, propaganda." The economy is a central focus, with the Chinese premier set to announce the country's GDP target and other economic goals for the year. This year, the 15th five-year plan, a key economic strategy, is expected to emphasize building tech prowess and self-sufficiency. China's economy, however, remains sluggish, grappling with high youth unemployment, weak housing prices, and sagging domestic consumption. It also faces a trade war with the U.S., which has imposed tariffs on all Chinese goods. The government aims to improve living standards and boost consumption, including raising incomes and enhancing education, child care, elderly care, and healthcare systems. Experts predict a significant move away from headline growth targets, signaling a shift towards high-quality growth. The National People's Congress is also anticipated to ratify a new law governing China's ethnic minorities, with a focus on assimilation and reducing autonomy for these groups. This legislation aims to foster a stronger sense of community among all ethnic groups in the Chinese nation, according to spokesperson Lou Qinjian. Despite recent personnel changes, including the removal of 19 members and two senior generals, policy experts do not expect significant personnel announcements during the Two Sessions. President Xi Jinping has removed up to 100 senior officials in the People's Liberation Army in the past four years, raising questions about the leadership's approach to replacements.
