BEIJING, 04 March 2026 (TATOLI) — China’s biggest annual political event, known as the “Two Sessions,” officially began on Wednesday with the opening of the annual session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing.
The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee was held at the Great Hall of the People, bringing together more than 2,000 political advisors from across the country.
The CPPCC plays an important role in promoting multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Its members include representatives from political parties, people’s organizations, individuals without party affiliation, and various sectors of society. They represent diverse professional backgrounds, including scientists, entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, and lawyers.
Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, delivered the Standing Committee’s work report at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in the presence of President Xi Jinping and other senior Party and state officials.
Wang commended China’s steady progress in modernization, noting that the country fulfilled its major economic and social development targets for 2025 and successfully concluded the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025).
He called on political advisors to mobilize public support, strengthen consensus, and combine their expertise and efforts in 2026 to ensure a smooth launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030).
During the CPPCC session, political advisors will deliberate on national development priorities, economic and social policies, and other key issues affecting the country’s modernization efforts. Proposals from CPPCC members often focus on economic growth, social welfare, technological innovation and environmental protection.
The CPPCC session traditionally opens the “Two Sessions,” which also include the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC).
The annual session of the National People’s Congress is scheduled to open on Thursday, March 5. Together with the annual meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, these gatherings are collectively referred to as the “two sessions,” a major political event widely viewed as an important indicator of China’s policy direction, governance system and future development path.
While traditional headline figures—such as economic growth targets, defense spending and signals on foreign policy—continue to attract global attention, this year’s discussions are expected to center on the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
Legislators will review the draft plan in the coming days. If adopted, it will guide China’s development through the remainder of the decade and support the country’s long-term objective of becoming a fully modern socialist nation by the middle of the century.
In addition to economic planning, lawmakers will consider several legislative proposals during the session, including drafts of an environmental code, a law promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a national development planning law. The proposed environmental code is being introduced as China moves closer to its goal of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030.
This year’s “Two Sessions” are attracting particular attention as China prepares to outline its policy direction for the coming years, including priorities related to economic restructuring, domestic demand and technological advancement.
The annual gatherings are regarded as a key moment in China’s political calendar, when thousands of lawmakers and political advisors convene in the capital to discuss national policy and development strategies.
The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) session will run until March 11 and include plenary meetings, panel discussions, and consultations, while the National People’s Congress (NPC) session will continue until March 12.
TATOLI
