National People's Congress: What is China's Two Sessions and why does it matter?

The annual "two sessions" in China, involving the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People's Congress (NPC), begin on Wednesday. The meetings will focus on economic growth targets, the new Five Year Plan, and Xi Jinping's roadmap for the country. Observers are watching for clues about China's ambitions in areas like technology and domestic consumption. Xi Jinping has removed high-level military officials as part of his anti-corruption campaign, raising questions about potential political shifts. The NPC will also consider an "ethnic unity" law that could further restrict minority groups and the Ecological and Environmental Code, which aims to address pollution control and low-carbon development. The events are significant for understanding China's future trajectory.