TOPIC

Two Sessions 2021 (Lianghui): Opinion

Two Sessions 2021 (Lianghui): Opinion
Two Sessions refers to China's annual parliamentary meetings, where the two main political bodies of China - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - reveal plans for China's policies involving the economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment and more.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
China economy

Opinion | China’s economic headache: setting targets for quality development

As Beijing aims for quality growth, it makes sense to dilute or even ditch GDP targets, but this is difficult in practice. Central planners also need to prune the burgeoning list of goals for local governments and grapple with the difficulty of imposing quantitative targets while emphasising quality.

videocam
Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Missed chances to shape Hong Kong’s political future must not be repeated

videocam
22
Two Sessions 2021

Opinion | Electoral reform a time for Hong Kong democrats to reinvent themselves

videocam
4
China economy

Opinion | China’s grand plan points the way, but the path to success is still unclear

China laid out its 14th five-year plan and the 2035 Vision at the ‘two sessions’ meetings in Beijing, but both contain two big assumptions.

6
By China’s definition, China’s middle-income population is now around 400 million people, and a number of state researchers have suggested that China needs to at least double its size to 800 million. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong political reform

Opinion | In patriot-governed Hong Kong, ‘one country, two systems’ is assured

Beijing’s decision to improve Hong Kong’s electoral system will ensure its stability and the healthy development of democracy.

videocam
37
Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Electoral overhaul reveals Beijing’s displeasure with its Hong Kong allies

Not only has Beijing lost patience with troublemakers, but it is also fed up with the ineffective patriots who are supposed to counter the opposition.

videocam
18
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Two Sessions 2021

Opinion | China has a plan for a great future that includes Hong Kong

Its policy blueprint to sustain growth in the wake of the pandemic and prepare the economy for the next leap is a huge confidence booster. With China on the cusp of great change, Hong Kong should use its unique advantages to actively take part in the grand national development scheme.

videocam
14
China marks its accomplishments in poverty alleviation and honours its poverty fighters at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on February 25. Photo: Xinhua
China Briefing

China Briefing | China walks fine line between stoking nationalism, seeking global engagement

As Beijing embarks on a strategy to boost its domestic market and tech exports, it must be careful not to let nationalist sentiment get in the way of its plans.

videocam
11
Hong Kong electoral changes

Hong Kong electoral overhaul not aimed at shutting out opposition: ex-leader

Larger legislature will create more space for participation and discussion, argues Tung Chee-hwa, while Leung Chun-ying, another former chief executive, says greater role of Election Committee will reduce strife.

videocam
5
China economy

Macroscope | China’s ambitious but practical goals target high-quality growth

Innovation and technological development drive productivity growth and thus are the top priority in the new five-year plan. Investment in frontier fields, R&D, infrastructure, green manufacturing and more form the core of plans for long-term growth.

videocam
6
President Xi Jinping votes on changes to Hong Kong’s election system during the closing session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11. Photo: AFP
The View

The View | Only a mainland-appointed provincial leader can revive Hong Kong

Hong Kong needs a voice in a China that is becoming more economically integrated, and that cannot be provided by a local chief executive. Such leadership would integrate Hong Kong’s rather separate economy more closely into China, supporting local people as they build careers on the mainland.

videocam
16
A man takes a photo of the Hong Kong and China flags as a Star Ferry sails past during National Day celebrations in Hong Kong on October 1, 2018. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2021

China’s leaders focus on living standards as party looks to cement position

Premier Li Keqiang closed the annual legislative meeting with promises to create more jobs and improve access to education and health care.

videocam
11
Belt and Road Initiative

Opinion | China’s rosy picture of belt and road at odds with realities on the ground

Chinese officials have praised the initiative and its goal of improving cross-border flows of people and goods. The reality has been different, though, with China’s neighbours and partners frustrated by border closures and lengthy delays.

videocam
City Beat

City Beat | As electoral system is overhauled, is Hong Kong reaping what it sowed?

The year-long anti-government protests and street violence of 2019 finally broke the back of any remaining patience Beijing might have had. But while the opposition bloc’s future remains uncertain, there are tougher challenges ahead for their pro-establishment rivals too.

videocam
31
The central government is taking steps to ensure that only ‘patriots’ can rule Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee
My Take

My Take | An inevitable end to Hong Kong’s democratic experiment

Beijing’s overhaul of the local election system is ruthless, but given the intransigence and fanaticism of the opposition and anti-government movement shown in 2019, it has no other choice if Hong Kong is to remain governable.

113
People cross a road covered in debris after violent demonstrations in Hong Kong in October 2019, as the city observed the National Day holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of communist China's founding. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong political reform

Editorial | No compromise on checks and balances

Sweeping electoral reforms announced by Beijing have far-reaching implications for Hong Kong, but an important principle enshrined in the Basic Law must be respected.

videocam
Two Sessions 2021

Editorial | Beijing clear on its development vision

Work report not only targets economic growth of more than 6 per cent, but also details way ahead on issues such as innovation, environmental protection and social welfare.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong national security law

Opinion | Who’s a patriot? Vague meaning raises fear of political persecution

The requirement of patriotism set to feature in an expected overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral structure can easily be used by Beijing loyalists as a pretext to target opponents, as illustrated by the recent attack on a Hong Kong official.

videocam
96
The national and Hong Kong flags fly outside government headquarters in Admiralty, Hong Kong, in August 2020. The quest for democracy and support for Beijing’s sovereignty over Hong Kong are not mutually exclusive. Photo: Bloomberg
China economy

The View | How China can fine-tune its dual circulation strategy to boost growth

Beijing has yet to address the policy distortions that have led to a decade-long growth slowdown, amplified by US decoupling measures. It needs to find a balance in allocating public investment and between accessing foreign technological expertise and developing domestic capacity.

videocam
7
China economy

The View | How China is moving past GDP targets and towards social balance

To pursue the ‘dual circulation’ strategy in the coming years, or even decades, China needs a bigger consumer base. Beijing is also seriously looking to reduce income inequality to achieve sustainable long-term growth.

videocam
4
Xi Jinping

Editorial | Ruling elite gathers at pivotal moment for China’s development

‘Two sessions’ has to come up with policies that convince people at home and abroad the Beijing leadership can take country to the next level.

The sun rising in Shanghai. China is on the threshold of another significant moment in its development with this year’s “two sessions” gatherings of China’s ruling elite set to begin on Thursday. Photo: Bloomberg
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement