Xi Jinping’s hi-tech push steals the spotlight at China’s ‘two sessions’ as Li Qiang scales back presence

He then took part in a discussion with the NPC delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force on Thursday. Xi, who is also China’s top military commander, called on the military representatives to integrate hi-tech development with the PLA’s war capacity to “comprehensively enhance strategic capabilities in emerging areas”. … Read more

China’s ‘two sessions’: Xi Jinping tells scientists to fight the tech battle well

“[We should] improve basic research and apply basic research to fight the battle well for key technologies and cultivate new drivers of intellectual productivity,” Xi said. He also asked for “pragmatic” advice from the country’s top scientists on making reforms to the system – including how to develop talent – and better use of incentives … Read more

‘Two sessions’ 2024: China’s top advisory body told AI gap with US is widening

At a major state-owned chip company in the Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen, there is growing anxiety about a “widening gap” in artificial intelligence (AI). During a sideline meeting on Tuesday in Beijing at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – the country’s top political advisory body – Zeng Yi, a delegate who heads … Read more

As it happened: China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024 – Beijing defends realistic GDP goal, vows to crack down on financial market irregularities

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing in our spring flash sale. China’s finance and commerce ministers, as well as the heads of the People’s Bank of China, National Development and Reform Commission and China Securities Regulatory Commission, met the press … Read more

‘Two sessions’ 2024: economy set to lead agenda for China’s top political advisory body

“The long-term positive economic trend will continue to consolidate and strengthen and the future is bright.” 02:31 China GDP: Beijing’s long to-do list to boost its economy in 2024 China GDP: Beijing’s long to-do list to boost its economy in 2024 Echoing state media outlets a day earlier, Liu cited increases in spending over the … Read more

‘Two sessions’ – not 2 weeks. Is the pandemic-shortened annual legislative gathering here to stay?

China’s annual legislative sessions – the once-a-year opportunity for lawmakers to discuss policy – could be shorter for the foreseeable future. Beijing is expected to keep this year’s “two sessions”, the annual meetings of the country’s top legislative body and political advisory body, brief, wrapping them up in just eight days, far shorter than the … Read more

Beijing police give hint about ‘two sessions’ timing as security is stepped up

Security measures have been stepped up in Beijing ahead of the annual legislative sessions, with a police notice giving a hint as to how long they might last this year. The authorities have yet to announce when the “two sessions” will end, but a notice banning low-altitude aircraft – including drones – suggests the meetings … Read more