BEIJING, March 4 — China’s annual “Two Sessions,” the most important political meetings of the year, are set to open in Beijing this week, offering a clear window into the country’s policy priorities for 2026 and its long‑term development blueprint through 2030.
The Two Sessions refer to the annual sessions of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC). The CPPCC, a wide‑ranging political advisory body with more than 2,000 members from across sectors of society, opens on Wednesday. The NPC, China’s top legislature with around 3,000 deputies from all regions and sectors, convenes on Thursday.
These sessions will lay out policy directions for the world’s second‑largest economy. Observers at home and abroad are focusing on China’s economic growth targets, measures to boost domestic consumption, and the draft outline of the 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026–2030), which will guide high‑quality development, sci‑tech innovation, industrial upgrading and green transition.
The CPPCC serves as an important platform for deliberation and consultation, pooling wisdom from various political parties, social groups, ethnic groups and sectors to support national governance.
As the top legislative body, the NPC exercises legislative power, supervises government work, reviews and approves national economic and social development plans, state budgets and major state affairs in accordance with the law. Its annual session turns national development strategies into legal and policy arrangements.
This year’s sessions carry special weight as 2026 marks the start of the 15th Five‑Year Plan cycle. Key legislative items include deliberation on the Draft Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress and the Draft Ecological and Environmental Code, both aimed at strengthening legal safeguards for social harmony and ecological progress.
A highlight of the NPC session is the Government Work Report to be delivered by the premier, reviewing performance in the past year and setting out economic and social development goals for the year ahead.
In recent years, China has made steady strides in emerging sectors including new energy, robotics, artificial intelligence and high‑end manufacturing, driven by consistent policy support mapped out at the Two Sessions. Policy signals from the meetings will continue to shape industrial development and global economic cooperation.
The meetings also draw wide international attention as China maintains close economic and trade links with countries worldwide. Stable and open development in China brings greater certainty to global recovery.
Deputies to the NPC and members of the CPPCC perform their duties in accordance with law, fully reflecting public opinion and promoting democratic decision‑making. The annual sessions demonstrate China’s institutional strengths in pooling efforts, coordinating governance and pursuing long‑term development.