While the world is stunned by the Oval Office confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend — a scene rarely made public in the history of modern diplomacy — China is quietly preparing for its biggest annual political event: the two sessions.
This year's two sessions — a term for the annual meetings of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body — will officially kick off on Tuesday, with more than 5,000 participants.
Due to the scale and significance of the two sessions, it is usually a closely-watched event, not only in China but also around the world. Official figures show that over 3,000 reporters have registered to cover this year's meeting, about one-third of whom are from overseas.
So, apart from some routine schedules, what should we watch for in this year's two sessions? I believe this year's event will not only epitomize China's unique model of whole-process people's democracy, but also serve as a powerful testament to the nation's resilience, innovation, and cultural vitality.
Against geopolitical fragmentation and economic volatility, China is poised to deliver a message of confidence and unity.
First, the democracy. The two sessions are a vibrant showcase of China's democratic ethos.
Unlike many Western legislators who are professional politicians, the great majority of China's NPC deputies and national political advisers come from all walks of life. Their primary task is to review and vote on the work of the central government, the top procuratorate, the top court, and other relevant bodies. They also give suggestions and opinions on matters they deem necessary in the country's political, social, and economic sectors.
During the past two sessions, I've interviewed villagers, farmers, doctors, teachers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and deputies from many other careers. Although their opinions may not be comprehensive or mature if judged from a national or professional perspective, China's democratic system guarantees them the right to speak, and their voices are heard by the top leadership and decision-makers.
Second, confidence. Since late January, the most talked-about topics among Chinese people have been the homegrown AI technology DeepSeek and the box-office sensation Ne Zha 2.
The rise of AI pioneers like DeepSeek, which is believed to have outpaced global competitors in some ways, exemplifies the nation's technological leap and potential. Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated movie, has earned a box office revenue of more than 14 billion yuan ($1.92 billion) worldwide, making it one of the top 10 films at the global box office. Both have significantly boosted the morale of the Chinese public.
A high-level symposium on private enterprises, attended by President Xi Jinping on Feb 17, also underscored the Chinese authorities' latest endeavor to bolster confidence and boost the development of the private sector, which is key to the country's high-quality development.
During the meeting, China's annual growth target will be unveiled, and more details on its proactive macro policies, particularly a "moderately loose" monetary policy — a significant departure from the "prudent "approach over the past 14 years — are widely anticipated.
Therefore, the 2025 two sessions are much more than a "political ritual", as some Western media have said; they declare China's unwavering resolve to innovate and inspire.
In an era of flux, this is the confidence and strength the world urgently needs at the moment.
zhuzhe@chinadaily.com.cn
