China's Two Sessions Open Today... Focus on Strengthening Xi Jinping's Leadership

Chinese Media Marks Start of 'China's New Journey'... 14th Five-Year Plan and China's Economic Blueprint Confirmed
Chinese Leadership Advances 'Sinicization of Hong Kong' with Hong Kong Election System Reform

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China’s largest political event, the Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), will be held from the 4th to the 11th, starting with the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the 4th.

This year, the biggest focus of the Two Sessions is the direction of China’s economic policy and the strengthening of the leadership’s political power over the next five years, including the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021?2025, 14·5 Plan). The Chinese leadership presents an economic blueprint and establishes the basic policies for national governance annually through the Two Sessions.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

China’s state-run People’s Daily and Xinhua News Agency reported that the CPPCC will be held at 3 p.m. on the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by the National People's Congress (NPC) on the morning of the 5th.

The “new journey” mentioned by Chinese state media carries many implications. First, it marks the first year of the 14·5 Plan, which will determine the direction of China’s economy over the next five years, including the dual circulation strategy. The 14·5 Plan is China’s post-COVID-19 economic strategy and its economic policy to overcome the U.S.-China conflict. China’s future depends on it.

It also encompasses the political fate of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leadership. Based on economic growth in the first half of this year, the Chinese leadership plans to declare a “Xiaokang society” (a moderately prosperous society where people live comfortably without worries about food, clothing, and shelter). Building on this, they plan to hold a grand celebration in July for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party. This aims to proclaim the superiority of China’s political system under the Communist Party domestically and internationally, thereby solidifying the leadership’s political position. This also hints at President Xi’s third term.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In Beijing’s diplomatic circles, there is close attention to this year’s Two Sessions due to the possibility of personnel reshuffles that could further consolidate President Xi’s political standing.

The reform of Hong Kong’s electoral system also offers insight into the Chinese leadership’s intentions. The leadership is considering electoral reforms centered on the slogan “patriots governing Hong Kong,” including establishing a high-level committee to vet candidates, adjusting the number of electors who select the Hong Kong Chief Executive, and expanding the scope of functional constituencies in the Legislative Council. If the electoral system is reformed during this Two Sessions, it signals that the Chinese leadership will not be swayed by pressure from the U.S. and other Western countries. The “Sinicization of Hong Kong” aligns with issues such as Taiwan independence and human rights concerns in Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet Autonomous Regions, further complicating U.S.-China tensions.

Meanwhile, the People’s Daily published an editorial on its front page stating, “2021 is the first year of the new journey called the 14·5 Plan and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party,” urging unity among the people to realize the “Chinese Dream (中國夢)” of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through building a modern socialist country.

The Global Times also emphasized the importance of this year’s Two Sessions, noting that besides economic growth, various agendas such as Hong Kong’s political reform, national defense budget, public health system reform, and self-reliance in advanced technology will be addressed.