Beijing's Two Sessions set the stage for China's 2026-2030 plan

China’s annual Two Sessions meetings begin in Beijing this week, drawing thousands of delegates from across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to ratify legislation, announce personnel changes and approve the budget over about two weeks. The event features separate but simultaneous gatherings: the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The NPC, a 3,000-member body, acts as the legislature in name, but remains a key stage for top leadership decisions, while the CPPCC, an advisory body, often pushes outside-the-box proposals from business leaders, celebrities and other notable figures. The CPPCC has included figures such as Jackie Chan and Yao Ming in the past, underscoring its role as a platform for varied voices in policy discussions.

What happens at Two Sessions? Premier work reports and, when delivered, speeches by the party chairman can signal policy priorities and targets. Official economic growth goals are set, military budgets are announced, and leadership changes within party bodies are confirmed. Past sessions have reshaped the country’s course, from Xi Jinping’s leadership precedent to the enactment of major security measures for Hong Kong. This year, attention will be on the 15th five-year plan for 2026-2030, with draft highlights already circulating among senior CCP officials.

This year’s focus centers on boosting domestic demand and expanding China’s capacity in cutting-edge technologies, signaling a push to deepen self-reliance in strategic sectors and modernize the economy while navigating global headwinds.

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