China’s “Two Sessions,” a major political gathering that comprises the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the legislature, and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) consultative forum, is currently underway in the country’s capital, Beijing. Over the next few days, the world’s attention will focus on events at the historic Great Hall of the People where the meetings are taking place.
As the largest parliamentary body worldwide, it convenes thousands of delegates from across China, shaping the legislative and governance processes for the upcoming year. Discussions on economic performance, new targets, and policies, including a focus on China’s foreign policy shape the agenda.
The process by which business is conducted during this event is unique. As the name suggests, China operates a consultative system of governance that ensures the views of various segments of society are considered in national decision-making. This is evident in the composition of the gatherings.
Participants from various sectors contribute ideas and feedback on draft legislation, making sure laws resonate with broader societal concerns. Despite some criticisms, these meetings, known as lianghui, have transformed into a vital platform for representing citizen interests on key policy issues.
CPPCC members represent different social spheres, and their contributions enhance discussions with varied expertise from fields such as science, technology, media, arts, education, healthcare, environment, sports, and agriculture.
The Chinese government believes this system allows for specialized input on policies that impact different aspects of society.
The CPPCC features nearly 3,000 delegates from various sectors, including workers, farmers, professionals, and ethnic minorities. This diversity is crucial to its role as a consultative body, promoting multiparty cooperation and socialist democracy under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Although the CPC holds the majority, about a good percentage of seats are reserved for non-CPC members, especially from smaller political parties. There are also independents—often experts or influential figures—who participate, ensuring broader societal representation.
Notable figures like Hong Kong movie actor Jackie Chan and basketball star Yao Ming have been members of the CPPCC. By including them and other professionals from various sectors, the CPPCC ensures that policy discussions benefit from expert knowledge across multiple disciplines.
Delegates are indirectly elected through provincial congresses, allowing all regions, to have a voice in national policymaking. Moreover, delegates representing ethnic minorities ensure inclusivity in policymaking for China’s diverse population. Religious groups, such as those representing Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestant Christianity, also have representatives.
These delegates, drawn from various walks of life, propose legislation and policy measures based on citizen feedback, providing a channel for public concerns to reach central policymakers.
The sessions address critical topics like economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, reflecting the priorities of ordinary citizens. A wide range of issues of public concern is discussed.
In recent years, China has placed significant emphasis on technological innovations as a means to spur development. Consequently, several heads of high-profile Chinese tech firms have been selected as delegates to shape discussions on the industry’s future and the means to achieve advancements.
This focus aligns with President Xi Jinping’s call for breakthroughs and reduced reliance on foreign technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, where China is emerging as a key player. The international community is closely watching China’s approach to this.
This system ensures that all citizens feel involved in nation-building and have a say in issues that affect them. In past sessions, grassroots workers, such as bus drivers, have participated to represent the perspectives of ordinary citizens in national discussions.
The current structure of the Two Sessions showcases a unique approach to governance, blending political consultation with representation from all walks of life. This diversity of voices makes it an essential platform for discussing national policies and tackling societal issues within different layers of Chinese society.
