Beijing is bracing for the annual Two Sessions, a key political event encompassing the meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. This year’s gathering is unfolding against a backdrop of unusual political tension, marked by a continuing purge within the Chinese military.
Military Purges Loom Large
As the Two Sessions begin on Wednesday with the advisory body’s meeting and Thursday with the NPC, the removal of military leaders continues. Three generals have recently been removed by the standing committee of China’s top political advisory body, following the removal of nine generals last week by the NPC. More than 100 senior officers have been purged or potentially purged since 2022, a figure described as “staggering” by researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The investigations, including one targeting top general Zhang Youxia, signal a focus on political loyalty, according to Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society. “Xi’s military purges will leave empty seats where senior officers once sat – a stark reminder that political loyalty is non-negotiable and that even top generals are expendable if they displease the top leader,” Thomas said.
NPC Power and CCP Control
While the NPC holds the power to amend the constitution, appoint officials, enact laws, and approve the budget, it operates within a system where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) holds ultimate authority. The NPC has never voted down an item on its agenda, functioning, in effect, as a rubber-stamp parliament with real decision-making occurring within the CCP.
Economic Shifts and the Five-Year Plan
Beyond the political maneuvering, the Two Sessions will reveal key economic indicators, including an anticipated GDP growth target of around 4.5% – the first time it has dropped below 5%. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on technological self-reliance. This year’s session likewise marks the launch of the 15th five-year plan, outlining Beijing’s economic priorities for 2026-2030.
Ruby Osman, a senior policy adviser at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, noted that this year’s Two Sessions will be “unusually busy,” setting out both short-term goals and a broader strategy for navigating geopolitical and technological changes. She anticipates a “mismatch” between the annual government work report and the longer-term five-year plan, signaling that China prioritizes innovative capacity and shielding itself from US pressures.
The five-year plan is expected to prioritize industrial self-reliance, particularly in the production of advanced semiconductors, to counter US sanctions and bolster capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence and military applications. China aims to have a military capable of a successful assault on Taiwan by 2027 and requires a resilient economy to support that goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Two Sessions?
The Two Sessions are the annual plenary sessions of the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, typically held in March in Beijing.
What power does the NPC hold?
The NPC has the power to amend the constitution, appoint people to political offices, enact laws, and approve the budget.
What is the significance of the 15th five-year plan?
The 15th five-year plan outlines Beijing’s economic priorities for 2026-2030 and is expected to focus on industrial self-reliance.
As China navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and prioritizes technological independence, how might the outcomes of the Two Sessions shape its future trajectory?
