#China #Xi Jinping #Beijing #National People's Congress

Conclusion of the 14th National People's Congress

On March 11, 2025, the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) held its closing meeting, bringing together governmental leaders including President Xi Jinping. The event took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where lawmakers concluded their discussions and passed several important resolutions that aim to shape the future of China’s governance and economic policies.

Overview of Key Resolutions

During this session, attendees approved a range of resolutions that play a critical role in steering the nation’s development strategies. These included:

• - Approval of the government’s work report
• - Endorsement of the work reports from both the NPC Standing Committee and the Supreme People’s Court
• - Approval of the 2024 plan for national economic and social development and the subsequent 2025 plan
• - Amending the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and local congresses
• - Ratification of the central budgets for both 2024 and 2025.

With these resolutions, the NPC aims to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous economic future, as well as enhance the legislative framework supporting local governance.

Injecting Confidence Amid Global Turbulence

China's two sessions have emerged as a beacon of stability and optimism despite the global uncertainty. The discussions have ignited a renewed confidence among the Chinese populace, emphasizing the importance of collective effort to pursue innovation and economic sustainability.

Attendees underscored the vitality of technology in shaping legislative and policy initiatives. For instance, Zhang Jin, a CEO from a robot automation company in Liaoning Province, emphasized that innovation is not just a concept but demands actionable steps. He highlighted efforts to break foreign monopolies in high-precision technologies vital for semiconductor manufacturing.

Similarly, NPC deputy Song Yaping, who leads the Shaanxi Provincial Children's Welfare Association, shared her excitement regarding integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education to enrich children’s cultural learning. The collaborative discussions reflect an ongoing commitment to harnessing AI and other technologies for the greater good.

Economic Development as a Priority

China's ongoing emphasis on economic advancement has been a focal point during the recent sessions. While some international commentators describe the GDP growth target as ambitious, members of the NPC expressed confidence in achieving these economic goals. Notably, Tian Xuan, an NPC deputy from Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance, emphasized that the robust foundation of China's market and workforce will support its growth trajectory.

According to Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, plans are in place to initiate a national venture capital guidance fund, aiming to invigorate tech investments and foster innovation in various sectors. This aligns with the government’s recognition of AI as a fundamental element in enhancing productivity and fostering new quality productive forces.

Emphasizing Global Collaboration

China's two sessions not only focus on domestic initiatives but indicate a willingness to foster international cooperation. Economists and business leaders from around the world, including journalists from Pakistan and North Macedonia, recognize that China's policies hold potential benefits not solely for the nation itself but also for its partners keen to engage in collaborative growth.

China's approach characterizes realms of economic globalization and promotes global initiatives focused on development, security, and cultural advancement. Yu Miaojie, a university president and NPC deputy, articulated a vision for a more open China that prioritizes foreign investment while simultaneously boosting its domestic market.

Insights into Chinese Democracy

The people's engagement and political processes during the NPC sessions provide a microcosmic view of China's governance model. Examples like Jiang Shengnan’s successful proposal on women's rights reflect how grassroots voices influence national policy, illustrating a unique communicative relationship between the legislature and the citizens.

Exploring democracy from this perspective reveals the significance of national dialogue and shared governance. The NPC provides a platform for ordinary citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping laws that affect their communities, contributing to a more inclusive political environment.

In conclusion, the closing session of the 14th NPC not only underscored critical resolutions but also demonstrated China's readiness to navigate the complexities of the global landscape while fostering internal growth through innovation and international partnerships.