What to know about the 'two sessions', China's biggest political meeting

China's annual "two sessions," the meetings of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People's Congress (NPC), begin this week in Beijing. The CPPCC, an advisory body, convenes on Wednesday, followed by the NPC on Thursday. These gatherings, lasting one to two weeks, are closely watched for insights into China's economic priorities, including growth targets and the new Five Year Plan under Xi Jinping. While the NPC technically holds legislative power, it primarily functions as a rubber-stamp parliament, approving decisions made by the Communist Party. Observers are also paying attention to the impact of recent purges of high-level military officials amidst Xi's anti-corruption campaign. The NPC's standing committee, comprising 175 members, holds real influence and meets every couple of months.

China's annual Two Sessions meetings, involving the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), convene in Beijing this week. Thousands of delegates gather to ratify legislation, personnel changes, and the budget. The NPC acts as the legislative body, while the CPPCC serves in an advisory role. Key events include work reports and the setting of economic targets and military budgets. This year's focus is on the 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), emphasizing boosting domestic demand and technological advancement to reduce economic reliance on the US. The meetings occur amidst a shakeup in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership due to corruption investigations.