NPC/National People's Congress

Slowing economy, tricky external ties: China has plate full as annual Two Sessions close

A general view of the closing meeting of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 12 March 2026. China holds two major annual political meetings, the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) which run alongside and together are known as 'Lianghui' or 'Two Sessions'. EPA/WU HAO

China kicks off key political meetings in Beijing under shadow of war in Iran

epa12794123 The opening ceremony of the Fourth Session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 04 March 2026. China's major annual political meetings, known as the 'Lianghui' or 'Two Sessions,' begin on 04 March with the opening of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), while the National People's Congress (NPC) will open on 05 March. EPA/JESSICA LEE

China aims to increase support for AI, science and tech innovation

China said on March 5 it would boost support for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) models and the development of venture capital investment.

China to spend 7.2% more on defence in 2025

China has mostly announced increases in the annual defence budget of about 7 per cent since 2016.

This week is a moment of truth for Xi Jinping on deflation

Consumer confidence has never recovered from the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Why Xi may be planning a bigger bazooka for Trump’s return

It’s understandable that Mr Xi Jinping wants to fight back against Donald Trump’s unpredictable bullying.

China’s 'economic long Covid' at risk of enduring

Uncompleted residential buildings at the State Guesthouse real estate project, on the outskirts of Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.

China’s failure to hit energy targets could prompt policy reset at National People’s Congress

A security official walks past seats before the arrival of delegates for the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2024. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP)

News analysis

China’s new data oversight body key in smart city development

There are hopes that this could give China an edge in harnessing the troves of user data generated in the world’s second-largest economy.

New Chinese premier promises stronger support for private sector

China has set a modest growth target of around 5 per cent, its lowest in three decades.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.