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National People's Congress (NPC)

National People's Congress (NPC)
Latest news and updates about the National People's Congress (NPC), 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.
Wang Renhua was elevated to the highest rank for officers in active service in March, 2024. Photo: CCTV
Corruption in China

China’s anti-corruption campaign claims 3 more top military officers

Two generals and an admiral have been expelled from the national legislature after noticeable absences in recent months.

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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong’s Starry Lee seeks to unite lawmakers, but quiet about Legco presidency

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong’s role to be discussed in China’s top legislature annual session

China-New Zealand relations

7 Chinese warships followed our navy vessel in East Asia, New Zealand says

Wellington says ship was to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities to bolster UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

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The HMNZS Aotearoa, a Polar-class replenishment vessel of the New Zealand Navy, was deployed to the East China and Yellow seas with allies in November. Photo: Handout via Reuters
Law

China’s move to seal records of offences like drug use sparks public backlash

New rule takes effect on January 1 and means the offences will no longer be attached to a person’s identity information.

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Legislative Council election 2025

Hopefuls spar over livelihood issues, upping ante at Hong Kong Legco poll forums

In a shift of tempo, the host at the two forums reminds candidates that they can express different opinions during debates.

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China’s private sector

From rail to nuclear power, China taps private capital to fund major projects

Beijing unveils a slew of new measures to channel private investment into infrastructure projects ranging from hydropower to oil pipelines.

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Workers lay track for a new high-speed railway in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. China aims to encourage more private investment in major projects, including new railways and nuclear power facilities. Photo: Xinhua
Legislative Council election 2025

Fewer registered professionals, more councillors contesting Hong Kong Legco poll

Post check of declared occupations found that 28 per cent of candidates are professionals, a 10 percentage point decrease over the last poll.

China-EU relations

Beijing protests after Taiwan’s No 2 leader makes speech at European Parliament

Second-in-command Hsiao Bi-khim addresses unofficial conference of lawmakers, prompting ‘indignation’ from Beijing.

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Hong Kong politics

Exclusive | 30% of 161 Hong Kong Legco election candidates linked to mainland Chinese firms

Higher proportion marks significant increase from 2021 poll and reflects growing prominence of mainland capital in Hong Kong’s economy.

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The Legco chamber in Admiralty. Photo: Edmond So
Corruption in China

China expels former aerospace boss and military auditor from top legislature

Xu Dazhe, former vice-minister and space programme director, and Sun Bin, who was CMC auditor, have been removed from NPC duties.

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Xu Dazhe, former party secretary of Hunan province and long-time aerospace official, has been expelled from the National People’s Congress, according to the NPC Standing Committee. Photo: NPC
Taiwan

Beijing sets October 25 as day to commemorate Taiwan’s restoration

National People’s Congress Standing Committee says designation strengthens ‘international community’s commitment to the one-China principle’.

China’s fourth plenum

Editorial | 5-year plan offers hope of stability amid global uncertainty

‘Peaceful’ role for Hong Kong as blueprint charts China’s future through high-quality development, technological self-reliance, innovation.

China’s Communist Party

Zhang Shengmin promoted to vice-chair of China’s Central Military Commission

Communique of fourth plenary session of Central Committee declares Zhang Fengzhong, of the PLA Rocket Force, is under a corruption probe.

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China has promoted Zhang Shengmin, the military’s anti-graft chief, to vice-chair of the powerful Central Military Commission. Photo: Handout
Cybersecurity

China moves to strengthen regulation of AI safety and ethics

China’s Cybersecurity Law will be amended to address new tech challenges and illegal activities, top legislative body says.

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Despite existing regulations, the use of AI frequently raises concerns and controversy in China. Photo: Shutterstock
China-EU relations

Brussels and Beijing lawmakers spar over Russia, Taiwan in first talks since 2018

Chinese delegation defends Moscow and questions Nato as EU warns ties hinge on Beijing’s stance over Ukraine.

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China economy

Editorial | As China drafts another five-year plan, it must brace for challenges

Amid domestic and global headwinds, national development won’t be easy. Hong Kong can help serve Beijing’s development goals.

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Xi Jinping

Xi renews warning against Taiwan independence in National Day address

Xi Jinping pledges to ‘practice true multilateralism’ and urges protection of national sovereignty.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping takes part in the National Day reception on the eve of the 76th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

US delegation’s ‘ice-breaking’ China visit hints at thaw in relations

Foreign ministry describes talks with US bipartisan group of lawmakers as ‘candid, in-depth’ exchange of views.

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SCMP Highlights

Chinese defence minister’s speech, US Fed cuts rates: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s job market woes to the US Fed cutting interest rates, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

China-EU relations

EU, China parliaments aim to hold their first talks in 7 years on October 16

Sources say invitations will be sent to Beijing imminently, with date and agenda still to be confirmed.

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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who worked to achieve last year’s detente in China-EU relations. Photo: AFP
Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

China expels 4 generals from legislature as anti-corruption push rolls through PLA

People’s Armed Police commander Wang Chunning the most senior of the group to lose his role as a lawmaker.

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Wang Chunning is the most senior of the generals to lose his NPC role in this round of anti-corruption action. Photo: Handout
Banking & finance

‘Urgent revisions’ mulled for China’s bankruptcy law, with shortcomings in mind

Move could help clear economic bottlenecks and eliminate ‘zombie enterprises’, while better protecting the rights of stakeholders, economic law professor says.

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Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Lawmakers can learn from CY Leung’s constructive criticism of government

It is in the public’s best interests for legislators to hold officials to account rather than constantly present a united front.

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China-EU relations

Exclusive | China lifts its sanctions on retired EU lawmaker Reinhard Buetikofer

The move is seen to lead to new engagement between European Parliament and China’s National People’s Congress, which have not met since 2018.

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China has dropped sanctions it imposed on a retired member of the European Parliament to clear the way for new rounds of engagement. Illustration: Reuters
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong lawmakers slam proposal to recognise same-sex partnerships

Proposal to introduce new registration mechanism through legislation sparks rare fiery exchange between lawmakers and officials.

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Same-sex couples have never had legal recognition in Hong Kong, owing to a strict legal definition of marriage. Photo: Felix Wong
Hong Kong politics

Chinese aircraft carrier-led fleet to visit Hong Kong for 5 days

Naval fleet, which includes aircraft carrier Shandong, will arrive on July 3 and host a series of open tours and cultural exchange activities.

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SCMP Highlights

China, US finalise trade deal; global conflict warning: SCMP daily highlights

From a breakthrough in trade talks to Chinese analysts on risk of US being drawn into war by allies, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

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