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Zhao Leji

The latest news on Chinese politician Zhao Leji, including political stories and updates.

Born

8 Mar 1957

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Chairman of the National People's Congress of China

The new Huanggang Port will be the first 24-hour checkpoint connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong economy

Top legislative body to discuss Hong Kong’s shared control at upgraded crossing

China’s top legislative body will discuss Hong Kong’s shared control over Huanggang crossing as 24-hour fast-track checkpoint set to open in July.

16 Jun 2026 - 9:40PM

China-North Korea relations

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to North Korea confirmed for next week

5 Jun 2026 - 6:21PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Letters | China’s message to Trump is clear: red line of Taiwan must be respected

12 May 2026 - 11:30AM

China-New Zealand relations

China complains of ‘harassment’ from New Zealand aerial patrols near coastline

Beijing said the plane had been operating over the Yellow and East China Seas and urged Wellington not to put civilian aircraft in danger.

17 Apr 2026 - 7:58PMvideocam

A New Zealand P-8A is alleged to have been involved in “reconnaissance and harassment”. Photo: NZDF

China-Asean relations

Xi tells Vietnamese counterpart they should ‘jointly oppose unilateralism’

On To Lam’s state visit, Chinese president also urges keeping ‘supply chains stable and unimpeded’ as Iran war deepens global energy crisis.

15 Apr 2026 - 7:59PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Editorial | International forums underscore China’s enduring push to open up

In the wake of the ‘two sessions’, Beijing is taking advantage of key annual conferences to speak with global stakeholders about its agenda.

29 Mar 2026 - 7:15AM

Boao Forum for Asia

Singapore PM sees China helping small groups net big results for Asia

Beijing could also spearhead areas like AI governance and play greater role in promoting economic prosperity, he adds.

26 Mar 2026 - 6:52PM

Boao Forum for Asia

As Iran war rages, China links peace to economic growth at Boao Forum

Beijing will continue promoting free trade, openness and a sound legal system for business, top legislator says.

26 Mar 2026 - 2:39PM

Hong Kong economy

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong to visit Hong Kong after Boao Forum trip

Wong’s three-day visit will be his first to Hong Kong as prime minister.

25 Mar 2026 - 7:23PM

Diplomacy

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

31 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 29. Photo: AP

China-South Korea relations

Li Qiang and Lee Jae Myung back free trade and multilateralism in Beijing talks

In meeting with visiting South Korean president, Chinese premier calls for cooperation in AI, new energy and high-end manufacturing.

6 Jan 2026 - 8:19PMvideocam

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (left) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Handout

China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee to ‘push denuclearisation, end to culture ban’ in China

Four-day trip starting on Sunday will make Lee Jae-myung the first sitting South Korean president to visit since 2019.

2 Jan 2026 - 11:38PMvideocam

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.

9 Dec 2025 - 10:18PMvideocam

China-France relations

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

3 Dec 2025 - 8:15PMvideocam

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomes France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to Beijing. Photo: Reuters

New Zealand

China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji calls for closer New Zealand trade ties

Zhao is in Australia after four-day trip to New Zealand, the first such visits by China’s top lawmaker since 2005.

23 Nov 2025 - 5:02PM

Zhao Leji (centre), chairman of China’s NPC Standing Committee, visits a local family at a farm in Christchurch, New Zealand, on November 21. Photo: Xinhua

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.

24 Sep 2025 - 5:38PMvideocam

Chile

Senior Chilean lawmaker investigated over actions involving Chinese businessman

Records show ex-president of country’s lower house helped arrange for retail centre owner to join official parliamentary trip to mainland.

21 Jun 2025 - 1:20AM

China-New Zealand relations

‘No conflict of interest’ between China and New Zealand, Xi tells Luxon

New Zealand leader’s China trip focuses on trade and tourism, but differences over Pacific island ties cast a shadow.

20 Jun 2025 - 6:57PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ahead of their meeting in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua via AP

China’s Communist Party

China is getting ready for a key meeting to discuss its next 5-year plan

President Xi Jinping says leadership is ‘organising the drafting of a proposal’, which will need to be endorsed at the fourth plenum.

25 May 2025 - 2:00PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2025

China’s No 3 returns to public spotlight after missing end of ‘two sessions’

The chairman of the National People’s Congress skipped its closing ceremony this week due to a respiratory tract infection.

12 Mar 2025 - 9:40PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2025

Why was China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji missing at the end of ‘two sessions’?

Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and former corruption body secretary was last seen in public on Saturday.

11 Mar 2025 - 7:12PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping leaves after the closing session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Photo: AFP

China's economic recovery

Win-win: China rolls out red carpet for foreign firms with charm offensive

Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.

27 Mar 2024 - 9:22AM

People chat before the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2024 in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

China-Africa relations

Focused on Global South, China upgrades ties with Angola

Beijing is a reliable friend and sincere partner for countries in Africa, Xi Jinping tells visiting Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

16 Mar 2024 - 10:00PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2024

China vows to revise law to promote patriotism and public defence support

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will help unity ‘between the military and the government, and between the military and the people’.

8 Mar 2024 - 7:37PMvideocam

China-Africa relations

Sierra Leone leader’s visit to China shines light on Xi’s challenge to West

As the Chinese leader met President Bio in Beijing, the pair pledged to ‘safeguard’ African interests on the global stage.

2 Mar 2024 - 10:00AMvideocam

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the West African leader’s state visit to China this week. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Communist Party

Success of China’s revised state secrets law depends on publicity, says official

Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection wrote that public must know their obligations under amended Law on Guarding State Secrets.

28 Feb 2024 - 8:16PM

China’s amended Law on Guarding State Secrets will come into effect in May. Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection says it’s crucial citizens are aware of their legal obligations. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Africa relations

China vows to share governance notes with Djibouti, deepen belt and road ties

Pledge from NPC Standing Committee chair Zhao Leji comes during meeting with Djiboutian counterpart Dileita Mohamed Dileita marking 45 years of diplomatic ties.

24 Jan 2024 - 9:00PM

Belt and Road Initiative

Xi reveals China’s push for global power after secret meeting on foreign policy

‘We will create a more favourable international environment and provide more solid strategic support for building China into a great modern socialist country,’ Chinese president says after two-day Central Conference on Foreign Affairs Work.

29 Dec 2023 - 7:10PMvideocam

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Zhao Leji

Top legislative body to discuss Hong Kong’s shared control at upgraded crossing

China’s top legislative body will discuss Hong Kong’s shared control over Huanggang crossing as 24-hour fast-track checkpoint set to open in July.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to North Korea confirmed for next week

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Letters | China’s message to Trump is clear: red line of Taiwan must be respected

China complains of ‘harassment’ from New Zealand aerial patrols near coastline

Beijing said the plane had been operating over the Yellow and East China Seas and urged Wellington not to put civilian aircraft in danger.

Xi tells Vietnamese counterpart they should ‘jointly oppose unilateralism’

On To Lam’s state visit, Chinese president also urges keeping ‘supply chains stable and unimpeded’ as Iran war deepens global energy crisis.

Editorial | International forums underscore China’s enduring push to open up

In the wake of the ‘two sessions’, Beijing is taking advantage of key annual conferences to speak with global stakeholders about its agenda.

Singapore PM sees China helping small groups net big results for Asia

Beijing could also spearhead areas like AI governance and play greater role in promoting economic prosperity, he adds.

As Iran war rages, China links peace to economic growth at Boao Forum

Beijing will continue promoting free trade, openness and a sound legal system for business, top legislator says.

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong to visit Hong Kong after Boao Forum trip

Wong’s three-day visit will be his first to Hong Kong as prime minister.

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

Li Qiang and Lee Jae Myung back free trade and multilateralism in Beijing talks

In meeting with visiting South Korean president, Chinese premier calls for cooperation in AI, new energy and high-end manufacturing.

South Korea’s Lee to ‘push denuclearisation, end to culture ban’ in China

Four-day trip starting on Sunday will make Lee Jae-myung the first sitting South Korean president to visit since 2019.

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.

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji calls for closer New Zealand trade ties

Zhao is in Australia after four-day trip to New Zealand, the first such visits by China’s top lawmaker since 2005.

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.

Senior Chilean lawmaker investigated over actions involving Chinese businessman

Records show ex-president of country’s lower house helped arrange for retail centre owner to join official parliamentary trip to mainland.

‘No conflict of interest’ between China and New Zealand, Xi tells Luxon

New Zealand leader’s China trip focuses on trade and tourism, but differences over Pacific island ties cast a shadow.

China is getting ready for a key meeting to discuss its next 5-year plan

President Xi Jinping says leadership is ‘organising the drafting of a proposal’, which will need to be endorsed at the fourth plenum.

China’s No 3 returns to public spotlight after missing end of ‘two sessions’

The chairman of the National People’s Congress skipped its closing ceremony this week due to a respiratory tract infection.

Why was China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji missing at the end of ‘two sessions’?

Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and former corruption body secretary was last seen in public on Saturday.

Win-win: China rolls out red carpet for foreign firms with charm offensive

Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.

Focused on Global South, China upgrades ties with Angola

Beijing is a reliable friend and sincere partner for countries in Africa, Xi Jinping tells visiting Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

China vows to revise law to promote patriotism and public defence support

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will help unity ‘between the military and the government, and between the military and the people’.

Sierra Leone leader’s visit to China shines light on Xi’s challenge to West

As the Chinese leader met President Bio in Beijing, the pair pledged to ‘safeguard’ African interests on the global stage.

Success of China’s revised state secrets law depends on publicity, says official

Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection wrote that public must know their obligations under amended Law on Guarding State Secrets.

China vows to share governance notes with Djibouti, deepen belt and road ties

Pledge from NPC Standing Committee chair Zhao Leji comes during meeting with Djiboutian counterpart Dileita Mohamed Dileita marking 45 years of diplomatic ties.

Xi reveals China’s push for global power after secret meeting on foreign policy

‘We will create a more favourable international environment and provide more solid strategic support for building China into a great modern socialist country,’ Chinese president says after two-day Central Conference on Foreign Affairs Work.

Letters | China’s message to Trump is clear: red line of Taiwan must be respected