Two sessions in China: what it is and what are the country’s directions for 2025

China began last Tuesday (4) to the two sessions, an annual political event that extends for about two weeks and defines the country’s strategic directions for next year.

The meetings take place in Beijing and bring together thousands of delegates from the National People’s Assembly (APN) and the Chinese people’s Political Advisory Conference (CPPCC), as well as leaders of the China Communist Party (CCP), businessmen, academics and representatives from various sectors of society.

The event plays a central role in popular Chinese democracy, being a platform for setting economic targets, approval of public policies and review of structural projects. During APN, delegates analyze legislative proposals and confirm government plans, while CPPCC acts as a consultative body, promoting debates on strategic topics for national development.

In the opening speech, President XI Jinping stressed that China is in a “crucial time to consolidate its development” and reaffirmed the commitment to “high quality modernization”.

According to Xi, China must “persevere its own way of development, strengthening its economy and advancing in science and technology to ensure lasting prosperity.”

Prime Minister Li Qiang also spoke, pointing out that “economic stability is fundamental to people’s security” and that “global challenges require China to adapt and continue its growth trajectory.”

In the early days of the conference, the debates focused on economic and technological issues. The government set the GDP growth target by 5%, reaffirming its commitment to stability and sustainable expansion.

To boost the economy, Beijing announced a $ 138 billion fund for technology and innovation, as well as investments in the artificial intelligence and biotechnology sector. At the same time, measures to stimulate consumption and ensure food safety were also detailed by delegates.

Another central point of the discussions was the modernization of the Armed Forces. With an increase of 7.2% in the military budget, the government seeks to consolidate China as a first -rate defensive power.

President XI Jinping emphasized that military modernization should be conducted in an “efficient, sustainable and high response” manner. In addition, the reinforcement of cooperation between the civil and military sectors was placed as a strategic priority.

In the next sessions, APN and CPPCC are expected to deepen issues such as reforms in the real estate sector, energy transition, social welfare and foreign policy. It is expected to present measures for the stabilization of the housing market, as well as clean energy guidelines and emission reduction goals. In the diplomatic field, Beijing must detail his strategies to deepen alliances in the global south and respond to the challenges of the relationship with the US and the European Union.

Economic growth and technological innovation

China set the GDP growth target by about 5% to 2025, remaining as one of the engines of the global economy. The government announced an investment of 300 billion yuans to boost consumption and strengthen internal demand.

Technological innovation was also one of the highlights, with the creation of a $ 138 billion fund for research and development in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Bioproduction.

Incentives include expansion of digital manufacturing, intelligent vehicle production and technological infrastructure improvement. Prime Minister Li Qiang pointed out that China will continue to prioritize strategic sectors to support its long-term economic growth.

Military Modernization and National Security

China’s military budget will grow 7.2% by 2025, reaching US $ 249 billion, continuing the process of modernizing the Armed Forces. President XI Jinping reaffirmed the commitment to the Army’s total modernization goal by 2035, ensuring that the country is ready for future challenges.

China also advances in the integration between the civil and military sectors, taking advantage of private sector technologies to boost innovation in defense. XI Jinping pointed out that this strategy will allow a more efficient and sustainable development of the military sector.

Foreign policy and the strengthening of the global south

China positions itself as a pillar of global stability, while the US intensifies its trade war. The diplomacy of head of state, conducted directly by Xi Jinping, will be one of the milestones of 2025, expanding alliances and strengthening strategic partnerships.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized US trade policy, questioning the effects of the rates imposed by Washington. “Has the US commercial deficit grew or decreased? Has the American industrial competitiveness improved or worsened? ”Wang provoked, noting that sanctions against China did not bring the results expected by Washington.

The global south was mentioned 24 times at Wang Yi press conference, reinforcing the idea that emerging countries are shaping the new international order. China has called on its allies to speak “in one voice” to strengthen its representation in global governance. Diplomatic events of 2025 are the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS Meeting in Brazil and the presidency of the G20 by South Africa.

What to expect from China after the two sessions?

Decisions made in APN and CPPCC will impact not only China, but also the global economy and international geopolitics. Beijing will continue to invest in technological innovation, defense and multilateralism, strengthening alliances in the global south and challenging Western hegemony in international relations.