Agenda, daily schedule of Two Sessions 2024

And five key points from NPC press conference, two pre-Session meetings chaired by Chinese Premier.

As the press conference for the Second Session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC, China's top legislative body) unfolds on Monday, unveiling the schedule for this year's Two Sessions, anticipation is building for Tuesday's session on March 5, where Premier Li Qiang will deliberate on the government work report.

Today's newsletter begins by an overview of the Two Sessions' agenda and schedule, which is self-curated based on information we gathered from Chinese media, Sunday's press conference of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC, China's top political advisory body) and Monday’s NPC press conference. Following that, we provide a summary of five key points from Monday's NPC press conference, overview of two recent meetings presided over by Premier Li, namely a study session of the State Council and a seminar aimed at gathering feedback on the draft government work report. These summaries could offer valuable insights into the anticipated policy directions for this year's Two Sessions, which may be of interest to some of you.

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Agenda and daily schedule of Two Sessions

(Currently, there is no official full schedule of this year's Two Sessions available online, though NPC has published its schedule. Based on that, the agendas revealed during the CPPCC and NPC press conferences, the timing of key events during previous Two Sessions, we have compiled an estimated full schedule for reference. )[Updated on 2024-3-15 14:50 CST]

March 4 (Monday)

Afternoon: Opening meeting of the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)

March 5 (Tuesday)

Morning: Delegates’ Corridor

Opening of the second session of the 14th NPC, review the Government Work Report delivered by Premier, review the report on China's national economic, social development plans for 2023 (Development Plans) and the 2024 Development Plan, review the report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2023 (Budgets) and the 2024 Budgets, hear an explanation of the draft State Council Organic Law revision

Ministers’ Corridor

March 6 (Wednesday)

Morning: Delegates deliberate the Government Work Report in small groups

Afternoon: Delegates, in small groups, review the report on Development Plans and the draft 2024 Development Plan, as well as the report on the Budgets and the draft 2024 Budgets.

Press conference on the Economy

Group discussions of CPPCC (likely)

March 7 (Thursday)

Morning: Second plenary meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC

NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee deliberates the Development Plans and the 2024 Development Plan, the Budgets and the 2024 Budgets

Afternoon: NPC Constitution and Law Committee deliberates the draft revision to the State Council Organic Law

Press Conference on foreign policy

March 8 (Friday)

Morning: Delegates’ Corridor

Second plenary meeting of the second annual session of the 14th CPPCC, hear the work report of the NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC), hear the work report of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) and the work report of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP)

Ministers’ Corridor

Afternoon: The first NPC Executive Chairmen session, the second NPC Presidium session, delegates deliberate the NPCSC’s work report in small groups

March 9 (Saturday)

Morning: Third plenary meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC

Delegates deliberate, in small groups, a revised version of the draft State Council Organic Law revision as well as the SPC’s and SPP’s work reports

Afternoon: CPPCC Chairmen session, group meetings, the sixth session of the 14th CPPCC’s Standing Committee

Delegates deliberate the SPC’s and SPP’s work reports in small groups

Press Conference on the people's livelihood

March 10 (Sunday)

Morning: Closing meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC

The second NPC Executive Chairmen session, delegates deliberate the NPCSC’s, SPC’s, and SPP’s work reports

Afternoon: The third NPC Presidium session, delegates deliberate, in small groups, three draft resolutions on the Government Work Report, Development Plans, and Budgets

March 11 (Monday)

Morning: The third NPC Executive Chairmen session, delegates deliberate, in small groups, three draft resolutions on the NPCSC’s, SPC’s, and SPP’s work reports

Closing meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress

Afternoon: Delegates’ Corridor

The fourth NPC Presidium session, vote on all resolutions and the draft State Council Organic Law revision

Ministers’ Corridor

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Key points from the NPC press conference

For Monday's press conference for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, we have chosen 5 questions which are of significant international interest and their corresponding answers from Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC.

These include:

1) the cancellation of the premier's press conference

2) new defense budget

3) on global competitions in emerging technologies

4) the revised anti-espionage law

5) on China-U.S. relations and the 2024 U.S. Election

1. No more premier's press conference in the coming years

China News Service (CNS): After the conclusion of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) , will the Premier of the State Council be invited to meet the press and take the questions from journalists? Thank you.

Lou Qinjian: Last year, after the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the spokesperson of the session invited Premier Li Qiang of the new term state council to meet the press conference while answering journalists questions, centering on implementing the guidelines of the 20th CPC National Congress, and the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee. Premier Li Qiang gave a profound elaboration on the key issues in economic and social development.

Tomorrow, the second session of the 14th National People's Congress will open. Premier Li Qiang will deliver the government work report. And the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance, entrusted by the State Council, will submit to the session. It should be noted that the main concerns of society will all be specifically addressed in these three reports. After these reports are adopted by the Congress, they will be made public, making it convenient for the media and the public to understand the relevant content. Additionally, the press center of the session will organize more ministerial press conferences and also organize "ministers corridor" , leading officials from the State Council to answer questions from domestic and foreign journalists on topics such as diplomacy, economy, and people's livelihoods. They will provide authoritative interpretations of relevant policies and measures, and giving in-depth explanations and clarifications on issues of social concern. Delegations will also have interactive sessions with the media and there will also be "deputies corridor" to provide more interview opportunities for journalists from home and abroad.

Considering the above, there will be no press conference given by Premier after the conclusion of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress. And barring any special circumstances, this arrangement will continue for the remainder of this term of the NPC. Thank you.

2. New Defense budget –– "China is firmly committed to peaceful development "

National Associated Press Agency (ANSA): The national defense budget is one of the most important topics of the annual two sessions. Last year, China's military spending increased by 7.2 percent year-on-year to 1.56 trillion yuan, the biggest increase in four years. At present, the situation in the South China Sea and the East China Sea is tense, may I ask the spokesman if he can introduce the situation of this year's national defense budget? Thank you.

Lou Qinjian: In recent years, in order to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, to adapt to the needs of military transformation with Chinese characteristics, and to better fulfill the obligations of the international responsibility of a major-country. While promoting sustained and healthy economic and social development, China has maintained a reasonable and steady increase in its overall national defence expenditure, promoting the simultaneous growth of defense and economy. I would like to emphasize that, compared with the United States and other major military powers, China's defense spending has always been relatively low, whether in terms of its share of GDP, its share of national fiscal expenditure, or its per-serviceperson defense expenditure.

China is firmly committed to peaceful development, is willing to share development opportunities with other countries, build a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and cooperation for mutual benefit, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and make new contributions to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity. Thank you!

3. On global competitions in emerging technologies：–– “For any known technology, no one can put a stranglehold on it. It's just a matter of time before we develop it.”

China Daily: In recent years, we have witnessed more and more intense competition between major countries in high-tech areas, like 5G, chips, and AI. Some countries have even resorted to extreme measures such as sanctions, decoupling, risk mitigation, and chain disconnections. Mr. Spokesperson, how do you view the global competition in science and technology? And what the NPC has done in recent years to contribute to China's efforts in building its scientific and technological strength? Thank you.

Lou Qinjian: 5G, chips and AI are all technologies in the field of computer and technologies. In recent years, the convergence, integration, and application innovations brought about by computer and internet technologies have propelled a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. And in this process, it is only normal that countries have competition. China believes that open cooperation is the right choice in exploring the frontiers of science and advancing scientific development. The arena of technological competition should adhere to the laws of technological development and conform to the rules of market economy. Attempts at decoupling severing supply chains and "high walls in small courtyards" will only impede scientific and technological advances globally, undermine global industrial development and widen the development gap.

Here I want to share with you an example about satellite navigation system. At the beginning of this century, china had wanted to develop a satellite navigation system with relevant countries and regions through international cooperation, but due to various reasons, progress was rather slow and the cooperation run into a stalemate. So under such circumstances, china had to make the decision of relying on its own efforts to develop a world-class satellite navigation system with advanced technologies and strong capabilities. Now, after nearly thirty years of unrelenting efforts to make breakthroughs, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has become widely applied around the world and being integrated into infrastructure. It is empowering many sectors and has become a time and space cornerstone for economic and social development.

This example fully demonstrates that as long as we work hard to build our strengths, there is no difficulty that we cannot overcome. For any known technology, no one can put a stranglehold on us. It's just a matter of time before we develop it. The key is to redouble efforts on the creation, application and protection of intellectual property in science and technology. At the same time, I have to make it clear that by building its own its strength in science and technology, China is not trying to do research behind closed doors, but rather, we're committed to global innovation, collaboration and active participation in global innovation networks. We would like to work with all countries to advance basic research and the utilization of research results, and foster new growth drivers of the economy so as to promote humanity's well being.

4. About the revised anti-espionage law –– "The newly revised law did not broaden the scope of espionage activities."

Reuters: China has revised the law on guarding state secrets after expanding its anti-espionage law last year. The broad, big wording of the revisions has worried some foreign businesses, concerning that they could be punished for regular business activities. Will laws change further this year to create even more uncertainty for businesses? Thank you.

Lou Qinjian: Thank you. In April 2023, the NPC Standing Committee approved the newly revised counter-espionage law. Some foreign media claimed that the revision broadened the definition of espionage activities and would bring greater risks to foreign nationals and foreign companies coming to China. I want to make it clear that this is a misinterpretation of the counter-espionage law.

If you go through the provisions carefully, you will find that the newly revised law did not broaden the scope of espionage activities. Rather, based on common international practices and drawing upon the legal systems of other countries, it has actually refined the definition of espionage activities and made clear the line between legal and illegal activities. The law in fact enhances the sense of certainty and security of foreign companies and nationals when they invest, work and live in China. It does not target normal business activities, research cooperation and academic exchanges. We are opposed to any attempt of denigrating or attacking China's business environment by misinterpreting the counter-espionage law.

5. China-U.S. relations and the 2024 U.S. Election –– "The U.S. Presidential election is an internal affair of the United State and China does not hold a position on that."

Associate Press: My question is on U.S.-China relations. The previous year has seen a resumption of high level dialogues between the two countries, culminating in a summit meeting between leaders of both countries. This year the U.S. has entered election year. What would a continued Biden presidency or a possible return of Donald Trump mean for bilateral relations and what impact would that outcome have for U.S.-China relations? Thank you.

Lou Qinjian: Thank you for your question. To stabilize and improve China-U.S. relations is something that everyone follows closely and expects to see. China's position has been consistent, that is, we will follow the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping, and work for a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States. We have taken concrete actions toward that. It is hoped that the U.S. will honor its commitment, build stronger "The Five Pillars" for China-US.. relations and translate the understandings and vision agreed on by the two presidents in San Francisco into real actions.

The U.S. presidential election you mentioned is an internal affair of the United States. China does not hold a position on that. No matter who becomes the President, we hope that the U.S. can work in the same direction with China, and work for a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship.

Over the past years, legislatures of China and the U.S. have maintained interaction by various means despite the many difficulties. One example is the visit of a bipartisan delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to China. This year marks the 45th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations. It is important for legislatures of the two countries to have more exchanges, dialogue and communication to deepen mutual understanding and play a constructive role in the stable development of China-U.S. relations. Thank you.

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A week ago, premier Li called for building a unified national market

In a themed study session of the State Council, Premier Li urges new progress and breakthroughs in building a unified national market to effectively support China’s new development paradigm and high-quality development.

Li also called for improvements to fundamental mechanisms and rules on intellectual property rights protection, market access, fair competition and social credit, the refinement of auxiliary policies, as well as the deepening of reforms in areas like finance, tax, and statistics, in order to provide mechanism support in building a unified national market.

Wang Yiming, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, was invited to the themed study session. Wang has talked about speeding up the building of a unified national market on many occasions.

One of his articles mentioned that problems such as a lack of unified rules and systems among different regions, blocked flows of production factors and resources among different regions, local protection, and regional barriers have hindered the building of a unified national market.

To build a unified national market, Wang suggested making an effort to eliminate regulations and practices of local protection and regional barriers, including removing all kinds of explicit and implicit barriers, and smoothing the circulation of the national economy.

Important background:

• In Mar. 2022, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council jointly released a guideline on accelerating the establishment of a unified domestic market that is highly efficient, rules-based, fair for competition, and open, and building the big Chinese market into a powerful one in all respects.

• The report to the 20th CPC National Congress promised efforts to build a unified national market, advance reforms for the market-based allocation of production factors, and put in place a high-standard market system.

• In May 2023, a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li discussed the general plan and recent arrangements for establishing a unified domestic market.

• Another executive meeting on Dec. 18 heard a report on work concerning expediting the building of a unified national market. The meeting stressed the importance of establishing rules for building a unified national market, and demolishing barriers and obstacles detrimental to the goal.

• At the 2024 first themed study session of the State Council, the premier said building a unified national market is of strategic and overall significance, whether for now or in the long term.

Who provided opinions on drafting government work report?

On Jan. 23, Premier Li Qiang presided over a seminar to get insights and suggestions on the draft government work report from experts and entrepreneurs from various sectors of society. This pre-report seminar is a customary practice before the final presentation of the government work report at the National People's Congress.

During the seminar, eight representatives delivered speeches. While the speeches had not been made public, it is reported by Xinwen lianbo that the selected representatives were chosen based on their expertise and roles in fields such as entrepreneurship, education, science, culture, health, and sports.

GRR searched and collected the representatives' backgrounds and areas of expertise to offer glimpses into the upcoming government work report. The following are key profiles of the eight speakers：

1. Ma Haitao, President of Central University of Finance and Economics:

Ma Haitao, an economics professor and current President of Central University of Finance and Economics, specializes in fiscal theory and policy, with his research focus on fiscal management. Appointed as the overall head of the studio for Fiscal Reform Research by the Chinese Ministry of Finance in December 2020, he emphasizes the need for fiscal system reform in the context of "Chinese-style modernization."

2. Robin Li Yanhong, CEO of Baidu:

Robin Li Yanhong, CEO of Baidu, and former member of the 12th and 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, is a prominent figure in China's internet industry, as Baidu's advancements in speech and image recognition, and natural language processing have drawn attention. Recent controversy regarding the Chinese military's use of Baidu's language model led to a stock price drop, but Baidu clarified there is no military cooperation.

3. Yan Jianwen, Chairman of Hefei Metalforming Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd (HFM):

Yan Jianwen, Chairman of HFM, leads in developing high-end equipment applications for advanced manufacturing. HFM develops various high-end equipment applications in the field of advanced manufacturing, directly or indirectly serving well-known domestic and foreign enterprises such as Tesla, Xiaopeng Motors, and Li Auto, all engaged in developing EVs.

4. Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University:

Li Luming was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in November 2023, is best known as the pioneer of China's brain neural modulation engineering technology represented by brain pacemakers. His team's breakthroughs in brain pacemakers have addressed advanced Parkinson's disease, marking a significant achievement in China's neuroengineering technology. In 2016, the "Tsinghua brand" brain pacemaker went abroad along the "Belt and Road."

5. Wang Xiaoyun, General Manager of the Technical Department and Dean of the Research Institute of China Mobile:

Wang Xiaoyun currently serves as the alternate member of the 20th Central Committee and a member of the China IMT-2030 (6G) promotion group, she is committed to the development and overall architectural design of 6G.

6. Wang Chunfa, Director of the National Museum of China (NMC):

Wang Chunfa, Director of NMC, a member of the Education, Science, Culture, and Public Health Committee of the 14th NPC, is committed to promoting outstanding traditional Chinese culture globally, aiming to enhance the world's understanding of China. By integrating digital technology with museum cultural resources, NMC is breaking traditional exhibition forms, contributing to the global trend of developing online "smart museums."

7. Liu Zhen, Chief Researcher at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences:

Liu Zhen, also serving as the President of the Guang'anmen Hospital, specializes in clinical and basic research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment. His efforts contribute to the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine with modern technologies like the internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, advancing the internet medical industry.

8. Zhang Yufei, Chinese Swimmer:

Zhang Yufei, a Chinese swimmer competing for the National Swimming Team, has won multiple gold and silver medals in major swimming events, ents including the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Swimming Championships. Named one of China's top ten athletes in 2023, Zhang is also a deputy to the National People's Congress. In her role, she aspires to contribute to building a leading sporting nation and a Healthy China, aligning with the national strategy of promoting fitness and health.

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