At the opening of China's National People's Congress, Premier Li Qiang pledged to champion orderly multipolarism and inclusive globalisation. President Xi Jinping urged major provincial economies to lead in technological innovation and risk control. The government work report outlined priorities for the economy, innovation and military this year.
China's most critical annual political gathering, the 'two sessions', convened in Beijing around March 11, 2026, encompassing the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). At the NPC opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, Premier Li Qiang highlighted priorities including Taiwan, trade war, People's Liberation Army (PLA) and artificial intelligence (AI). He pledged to champion 'orderly' multipolarism and 'inclusive' globalisation to address international challenges.
President Xi Jinping urged China's major provincial economies to take the lead in technological innovation and strengthen resilience to external shocks over the next five years. This underscores Beijing's strategic focus amid rising global uncertainty.
Li Qiang's government work report delivered key takeaways for the year, including economic growth targets, plans for the private sector, and policy priorities in innovation and the military. The meetings unveiled the 15th five-year plan, laying out economic and social priorities for the next half-decade. Outcomes from these sessions will set the stage for the anticipated summit between Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, influencing China's domestic trajectory, foreign policy and US-China relations.
Discussions also covered technological self-reliance, with emphasis on sectors to prioritise amid global uncertainty. Economic policy highlights from Li Qiang's report include targets and priorities.
