Question 1

Why is this year's 'two sessions' so important?

Accepted Answer

This year's 'two sessions' will take on special significance as it coincides with the Communist Party’s centenary and gives the leadership an opportunity to outline longer-term plans that could come to define President Xi Jinping’s legacy and the party’s future.

Question 2

How much of the NPC is composed of women and ethnic minorities?

Accepted Answer

Women make up 25 per cent of the national legislature, while 14.5 per cent of NPC deputies are ethnic minorities.

Question 3

Why is the annual government work report important?

Accepted Answer

Delivered by China's premier, the report offers a comprehensive view of the country's economic and social development in the previous year while laying out guidelines for government policies for the current year.

Question 4

When will ‘two sessions’ 2021 start and end?

Accepted Answer

This year’s two sessions commence on March 4, and will wrap up on March 11.

Question 5

What’s on the agenda?

Accepted Answer

We look at the major political challenges in China's two sessions

Question 6

How is China preparing for the Communist Party centenary in July?

Accepted Answer

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a national campaign to educate the country about the history of the party since its founding in 1921.

Question 7

What happens at the Two Sessions?

Accepted Answer

More than 5,000 delegates traditionally converge on Beijing for the two biggest political meetings of the year, commonly known as the Two Sessions. The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) meets first and its members advise the government on policies. The National People's Congress is the second meeting of this annual event, and the delegates review and approve the government's plans.

Question 8

Will human rights return as the main stumbling block for US-China relations?

Accepted Answer

Joe Biden said he told Xi Jinping that there will be repercussions for human rights violations in their first telephone conversation

Question 9

What are China's five-year plans?

Accepted Answer

The five-year plan is the blueprint that sets the direction of the world's second-largest economy. The first five-year plan was launched in 1953. The details of the 14th five-year plan which will set out political and economic goals for 2021 to 2025 will be made public at the Two Sessions.

Question 10

What is the focus in China's five-year plans?

Accepted Answer

Five-Year plans usually spell out the government's general policy goals. The 14th FYP is expected to emphasise technology and innovation in the 2021-2025 period, especially on self-reliance and the development of core technologies

Question 11

What is the National People's Congress?

Accepted Answer

The National People's Congress (NPC) is China’s top legislature. It holds one full session annually to vote on new laws and amendments, and review government’s work and policies. The NPC has about 3,000 members who are elected for five-year terms.

Question 12

Is Shenzhen now the model city for GBA after Hong Kong loses its luster?

Accepted Answer

A Beijing-approved reform plan would allow Shenzhen to experiment with wide-ranging reforms turning it into a global ‘benchmark’ city by middle of the century

China’s Two Sessions