China's National People's Congress

Every year, the National People's Congress convenes in Beijing, where expectations are set for China's government policy for the year. This year's gathering will be watched closely by the world, as new leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang prepare to take the reins and the world's second-biggest economy emerges from a global slowdown.

Special Report Features

China’s Richer-Than-Romney Lawmakers Show Xi’s Reform Challenge

The ranks of China’s ultra-wealthy in its legislature swelled 20 percent this year, highlighting the vested interests that may oppose any measures by incoming President Xi Jinping to reduce the nation’s wealth gap.
Chinese Anger Over Pollution Becomes Main Cause of Social Unrest

Pollution has replaced land disputes as the main cause of social unrest in China, a retired Communist Party official said, as delegates to the country’s legislature lamented environmental degradation.
Audis Trump China Patriotism as Local Brands Falter

China is pressuring bureaucrats to buy locally branded cars to help domestic automakers and cut lavish spending of taxpayers’ money. That’s unless you are a high-level government official with an Audi A6L.
Wen Warns on China Tensions in Final Speech as Premier

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the nation lacks a sustainable growth model and faces mounting "social problems," as he ends a decade in power that saw the economy grow fourfold to be the world's second largest.
China Boosts Defense Spending as Military Modernizes Arsenal

China will boost defense spending 10.7 percent this year as the government modernizes its military arsenal and adopts a more assertive stance in territorial disputes with its neighbors.
China to Raise Budget Deficit by 50 Percent to Boost Demand

China plans to raise its budget deficit by 50 percent this year as the central government cuts taxes and boosts measures to support consumer demand in the world’s second-biggest economy.
China Defends Expanded Military After Memories of ‘Bullying’

China’s push to boost its defense capability has become a key to maintaining peace in Asia and stems from years of bullying at the hands of others, a spokeswoman for the country’s legislature told a briefing today.
China Monetary Tightening Pressure Eases as Growth Rebound Slows

China may hold off tightening monetary policy after growth in services and manufacturing weakened, underscoring challenges for the nation’s leaders as they open the annual session of parliament tomorrow.
China Congress Offers Xi-Li Partnership Chance to Unveil Policy

China is poised to complete a once- in-a-decade leadership handover in the next two weeks, as pressure rises on Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang to add specifics to pledges to rein in corruption and address income imbalances.
China Provinces Cut Growth Targets in Sign Debt Concerns Heeded

Almost half of China’s provinces are setting their growth sights lower in the wake of the central government’s emphasis on the quality of expansion over speed, a sign of an increased focus on tackling rising debt.
Mao’s $300 Red Army Liquor Suffers Before China Congress

Kong Guoqing hasn’t seen a quieter Chinese New Year in the 12 years his family has been running their small liquor and tobacco shop in downtown Shanghai. They didn’t sell a single bottle of the high-end spirit made by Kweichow Moutai that has become synonymous with banquets and gift-giving during China’s national holiday.
China Petition Demands Legislature Ratify UN Rights Treaty

A group of Chinese intellectuals signed a petition calling on the nation’s legislature to quickly ratify a United Nations human rights treaty.