China opens "two sessions" with commitment to high-quality development

The annual "two sessions," a highly anticipated event on China's political calendar, began on Tuesday with the opening of the annual session of the country's top political advisory body.

The annual session of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), is set to begin on Wednesday.

Offering a critical window into China's development roadmap for 2025, the final year of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the sessions hold profound significance as the world's second-largest economy accelerates its shift toward high-quality development and advances Chinese modernization.

This year's "two sessions," the first since last July's reform-themed third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), are expected to shape the country's policy direction amid an increasingly complex and challenging domestic and global landscape.

KEY POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), held at the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

The country's top political advisor said China has accomplished its main economic and social development targets for 2024, applauding the major achievements made in the country's modernization drive.

During the eight-day sessions, the Chinese premier, top legislator, top political advisor, chief justice and top procurator will present work reports. Lawmakers will review the government's annual budget and development plan, and deliberate an amendment to the law on deputies to the NPC and local people's congresses.

In parallel, ministers from various government departments will hold interviews and press conferences to engage with the public, clarify policies, and address pressing concerns.

This year's "two sessions" are expected to foster consensus and enhance confidence as China strives to further deepen reforms and achieve the goals outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan.

(Xinhua)