Ambassador Ma Jianchun briefs media on China’s two sessions

China’s most important annual political gatherings (the “Two Sessions”) were held in Beijing from 4th to 11th March 2022.

The term “Two Sessions” refers to the yearly plenary meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which are China’s top legislature and top political advisory body respectively.

The Two Sessions draws wide attention from both China and abroad, as it serves as an important window to look into China development, covering a wide range of topics concerning China’s domestic affairs and foreign policies. The practice of Two Sessions also demonstrates how China’s democracy works.

Ambassador Ma explained that, the Two Sessions looked back at the past extraordinary year, adding that the year 2021 witnessed the grand celebration of the CPC’s centenary, China’s victory in the critical battle against poverty, and China’s achieving its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

“China’s 14th Five-Year Plan also achieved a good start. China has begun a new journey toward its second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects,” he also said.

“In 2021, China continued to implement routine measures to prevent resurgences of COVID-19. Over 85 percent of China’s population has been fully vaccinated. Local outbreaks were put under control in an effective and quick manner. These efforts ensured the health and safety of the people,” he further said.

He added that in 2021, China pursued economic and social development in a well-coordinated way, noting that, China’s GDP growth rate reached 8.1 percent, so was Chinese people’s per capita disposable income.

“China’s total volume of trade in goods grew by 21.4 percent, and China’s economic structure and regional development continued to be optimised.”

“In 2021, China’s technological innovation capacity was further strengthened. Major breakthroughs were made in manned spaceflight, resource exploration, energy projects and other areas. Integration of digital technology in the real economy was accelerated,” the diplomat also said.

According to him, all these achievements were made under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the concerted efforts of all Chinese people.

He described the year 2022 as of great significance in the cause of the CPC and the country, as the CPC will hold its 20th National Congress.