Opening of the Two Sessions... Begins with Wearing Masks and Mourning COVID-19 Victims

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] China's largest political event, the "Lianghui" (兩會, the CPPCC and the NPC), commenced on the 21st with a memorial for the victims of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

At 3 p.m. local time, the National Committee meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which is part of the policy advisory sessions during the Lianghui, began at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The opening was a moment of silent tribute to the COVID-19 victims. All attendees gathered in the Great Hall of the People stood for one minute, bowed their heads, and observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims.

Following this, CPPCC Chairman Wang Yang delivered his work report. In his report, Chairman Wang noted that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, significant achievements were made last year marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and emphasized that this year efforts should focus on building a Xiaokang society (a moderately prosperous society where all citizens enjoy a comfortable and affluent life).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

At the opening ceremony, President Xi Jinping and other members of the Politburo Standing Committee attended without wearing masks, while most of the other attendees wore masks.

Following the CPPCC opening, the National People's Congress (NPC), which is equivalent to the national parliament, will convene on the morning of the 22nd. Premier Li Keqiang is expected to deliver a work report outlining this year's economic growth targets, fiscal deficit goals, national defense budget, and various government policy directions.

This year's Lianghui is expected to focus on discussing how China will respond to the internal and external challenges it faces amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the closing ceremony will be held on the 28th, and the duration of the Lianghui has been shortened to about half of the usual two weeks.