BEIJING, March 4 — China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress, opened its annual session today in the capital, launching a key political gathering that will outline the country’s economic and security agenda for the year.
Delegates are expected to unveil priorities for the new 15th Five-Year Plan, with a strong focus on stabilizing growth, boosting technological self-reliance, and supporting struggling sectors of the economy. Officials will also present this year’s economic targets and budget plans in the coming days.
The NPC meets alongside the advisory political conference as part of China’s annual “Two Sessions,” a closely watched event that signals Beijing’s policy direction for the year ahead. Further announcements are expected throughout the week.
Thousands of delegates from across the country and abroad arrived in the capital over the past several days to participate in the week-long proceedings.
Defence spending figures for 2026 are anticipated later in the week, with observers watching for signals of Beijing’s priorities amid rising geopolitical tensions.
