International media professionals have arrived in China to cover that country’s “two sessions”, which marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Two Sessions refers to the annual plenary sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and their joint meetings to discuss and shape national policies and future direction.
The 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference will begin on March 4th, 2025, at the Great Hall of the People in Xicheng, Beijing.
Two Sessions is a central component of China’s governance structure, showcasing the country’s unique approach to democracy and decision-making. The National People’s Congress (NPC) is China’s highest organ of state power, responsible for exercising legislative power. It comprises deputies elected by the people’s congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government.
In addition to its legislative function, the NPC elects the President, Vice President, and other national leaders, approves the national budget and final accounts, and supervises the work of the State Council, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is a political advisory body that plays a crucial role in China’s governance structure. It is composed of representatives from various sectors of society, including the Communist Party of China, other political parties, people’s organizations, and individuals. The CPPCC provides a platform for political consultation and discussion among different segments of society and exercises democratic supervision over the government and other state organs. The CPPCC promotes national unity and social stability by uniting representatives from various sectors of society and has the power to propose bills to the NPC.
During the Two Sessions, the NPC and CPPCC will engage in a series of activities, including accepting the report on the government’s performance over the past year and outlining achievements, challenges, and future plans from the Premier of the State Council. This is similar to the annual Throne Speech or the pre-budget presentations by the Governor General or President in the Caribbean region.
The meeting also provides a platform for discussing national priorities and establishing economic and social development goals. This process closely resembles the Budget Presentations and debates in the Caribbean. It could offer a close opportunity to observe how a similar process unfolds for one of the region’s largest trading partners.
This year’s ‘Two Session’ is expected to approve the 15th five-year plan (2026-2030). Since its first plan in 1953, China has used five-year plans to orchestrate larger economic and social changes. Media practitioners will have an opportunity to observe the process and examine policy formulation in key sectors, which will lead to economic growth and its continued thrust toward Modernization.
The press center for the media opened Thursday at the Media Center Hotel in Beijing. In addition to observing the two-day joint sessions at the Great Hall of the People, there will be a series of press conferences and events, with heads of central government departments expected to address key domestic and international issues.
China’s unique governance model could provide valuable lessons and opportunities for developing innovative approaches to addressing issues of resource allocation, grassroots involvement in decision-making, and the value of an active national development planning process.
Antigua and Barbuda is among the countries invited to observe and is represented by Petra Williams. “I am looking forward to better appreciating China’s governance model, particularly how the overall planning mechanism has evolved over time and continues to contribute to the socio-economic development. Though a vast country with significant and varied natural resources, their planning process appears to consider a wide cross section of views and participation beyond the top politicians. Perhaps my observations and, most importantly, sharing could provide opportunities for us (Antigua and Barbuda) to incorporate some best practices from their experiences into our planning processes.”
The session will run from March 4 to 10, 2025. In addition to international media practitioners who will join their Chinese counterparts, diplomatic envoys to China have been invited to observe the opening and closing meetings.