The annual ”Two Sessions” of China, comprising the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), concluded this week in Beijing, marking a significant moment for the nation’s legislative and political agenda.
The 2025 sessions, held from early March, outlined ambitious goals, emphasized innovation, and addressed critical domestic and international challenges. Drawing on official reports and statements, here’s a summary of the key outcomes and themes from the meetings.
Economic targets and development goals
The 2025 Government Work Report, delivered by Premier Li Qiang during the NPC’s third session, set a GDP growth target of approximately 5% for the year, aligning with China’s strategy to navigate global economic uncertainties, including escalating trade tensions with the US under Donald Trump’s renewed tariff policies.
The report, as highlighted by Shanghai in Action and China Daily, also outlined additional targets, including a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5%, the creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, and an increase in the consumer price index of approximately 2%.
To support these goals, China plans to issue 4.4 trillion yuan in local government special-purpose bonds and 300 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds to boost consumption through trade-in programs for consumer goods.
AI analysis of the Government Work Report, published by China Daily, identified the top 10 keywords: innovation, development, economy, reform, people, quality, sustainability, technology, employment, and stability, reflecting the government’s multifaceted priorities.
New terms such as new quality productive forces, digital economy, and green transformation were introduced, signaling a shift toward high-tech and sustainable development, as noted in the 2025 Government Work Report’s New Words.
Sci-Tech and industrial innovation as pillars of growth
President Xi Jinping, in his deliberation with Jiangsu province deputies, emphasized that ”sci-tech and industrial innovation is the fundamental pathway for the development of new quality productive forces,” according to China Daily and a post on X by @XisMoments.
Xi also underscored the critical role of enterprises as key drivers of innovation, ensuring a seamless connection between technological advancements and industrial applications. This focus was visually represented in infographics and reports, such as Xi’s Time with the Jiangsu Delegation, which detailed his interactions and policy directives during the NPC session.
People’s well-being and private economy support
The Government Work Report strongly emphasised improving people’s well-being, as showcased in People’s Well-Being Key Focus of Govt Work Report on China Daily. Initiatives include enhancing public services, expanding employment opportunities, and promoting social equity.
Additionally, legal support for China’s private economy was highlighted as essential for economic vitality, with measures to strengthen intellectual property rights and reduce regulatory burdens, as reported in Legal Support Key for China’s Private Economy.
Regional development and cultural tourism
Regional development initiatives were also in focus, with Ningxia province advancing toward a cleaner energy future through renewable energy projects, as detailed in Ningxia Moves Toward a Cleaner Energy Future.
Meanwhile, a cultural debate over the mythical figure Nezha’s hometown in Shandong and Hebei provinces has sparked a tourism boom, with both regions leveraging the legend to attract visitors, according to Nezha’s Hometown Debate and Tourism Boost.
International relations and diplomacy
Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his news conference during the Two Sessions, addressed global concerns, emphasizing China’s commitment to multilateralism and stable international relations, as reported in Highlights from Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s News Conference.
Wang’s appointment to the Politburo Standing Committee further underscores China’s strategic focus on diplomacy amid rising tensions, particularly with the U.S. and Taiwan.
Public participation and deputies’ voices
The NPC session also featured robust participation from deputies, reflecting public sentiment and regional priorities, as noted in People’s Choice, Deputies’ Voice. Their input shaped discussions on rural revitalization, urban development, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing the government’s pledge to align policies with the needs of the people.
Looking ahead
The 2025 Two Sessions reaffirmed China’s commitment to balancing economic growth with technological innovation, social stability, and environmental sustainability. As the nation navigates domestic challenges and international pressures, the outcomes of these meetings set a clear roadmap for the year ahead, with a strong emphasis on fostering ”new quality productive forces” and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
For more detailed insights, follow updates from China Daily, Shanghai in Action, and official NPC and CPPCC channels as China implements its ambitious 2025 agenda.
Sources
- Govt work report: Shanghai in action
- China Daily: Xi stresses sci-tech and industrial innovation
- China Daily: Posters: People’s well-being key focus of Govt Work Report
- China Daily: Top 10 keywords in the 2025 Government Work Report identified by AI
- China Daily: Nezha’s hometown debate and tourism boost
- QS Theory: Inforgraphic: Xi’s Time with the Jiangsu Delegation
- China Daily: Legal support key for China’s private economy
- China Daily: New words in the 2025 Government Work Report
- China Daily: Highlights from Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s news conference
- X.com: XisMoments
- NPC: People’s choice, deputies’ voice
- China Daily: Ningxia moves toward a cleaner energy future
- SCMP: Wang Yi offers stability to world at time of growing uncertainty
- China Gov: China’s sci-tech innovation empowers high-tech development
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the US: Highlights of 2025 government work report