Examining the Role of Livelihood in China's Modernization: Insights from Recent Two Sessions

During the national two sessions held in March 2025, a compelling story emerged from Central China's Hunan Province. An 82-year-old man named Chen Junqing illustrated the profound connection between individual voices and national policy. By submitting his suggestion written on cigarette pack foil, he underscored how grassroots engagement can directly influence legislative reforms.

This instance highlights a significant facet of China's current democratic practices. The two sessions, renowned for being a platform for discussion and policy-making, have increasingly focused on the concept of livelihoods as integral to China's modernization efforts. More than just a buzzword, 'livelihood' resonates throughout the discussions led by policymakers and members of the National People's Congress (NPC).

As the sessions progressed, the importance of job creation was reiterated by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, who stressed the need for policies that support employment as it is the cornerstone of people's livelihoods. Further, the government's commitment to addressing community-focused issues, such as the installation of elevators in older residential buildings, reflected a direct response to the needs of the populace.

The grassroots representation was evident in places like the Hongqiao sub-district's legislative contact station, where colorful murals depicting community suggestions have showcased a surge of grassroots initiatives since 2015. This local engagement resulted in over 5,000 adopted suggestions in the previous year, leading to the introduction of more than 2,000 policies aimed at addressing critical needs within society.

The engagement at the local level serves not only as a model for effective governance but also as a reminder of the profound impact that individual voices can have in shaping national decisions. Danji, another NPC deputy from Henan Province, shared his district's successful initiatives for exporting energy-efficient products internationally. These anecdotes reveal the vibrant essence of democracy as practiced in China today.

Moreover, significant conversations have unfolded at press conferences during the sessions, where officials discussed community-centric projects such as urban renewal initiatives, training programs, and enhanced elder care services. The enthusiastic public response on social media platforms suggests that these topics deeply resonate with citizens, thus amplifying the significance of the two sessions.

The recurring theme of focusing on 'people first' in governance has yielded substantial improvements across various aspects of societal welfare. From targeted poverty alleviation campaigns to improvements in health care coverage, the structure permits representatives of different social strata to voice their concerns and facilitate action towards tangible benefits.

The political framework in China has established an enduring relationship between citizens and their representatives, characterized by the responsiveness of the system to public feedback. This 'reflecting-listening-consulting-implementing' chain allows for a seamless movement from public concern to legislative action, enriching the lives of the citizens.

Within this evolving landscape, the cascading effect of these democratic practices is evident across the vast expanse of the country—from urban areas to rural communities. Each voice matters as the nation witnesses a concerted effort to operationalize the vision of 'whole-process people's democracy.'

The two sessions serve not only as a legislative forum but also as a 'resonator' for public sentiment, effectively translating the voices of the people into policy motions that focus on elevating the quality of life. As seen through the lens of numerous representatives' stories, this inclusive governance reaffirms the notion that in modernization, the priorities of the people remain central.

In conclusion, the recent two sessions showcased the indispensable role that people's livelihoods play in the narrative of China's modernization. As the government listens and responds, it paves the way for a future where collective engagement fosters a thriving society rooted in democracy.