Tensions with Washington and economic slowdown mark annual political conclave in China

BeijingInternational tensions are the main focus of the annual plenary session of the Chinese Parliament, the most important political event of the year in the Asian giant. The tariff escalation with the United States At a time of economic slowdown, China is forced to focus on designing measures to boost growth and avoid social unrest.

The festive atmosphere created by the hundreds of delegates greeting each other and taking photos on the steps of the People's Palace in Tiananmen Square contrasts with the reality of international politics. On the same day that the biggest political meeting of the year begins in Beijing, the two plenary sessions of Parliament, a new round of Chinese tariffs has been announced in response to the US tariffs.

US President Donald Trump chose March 4 precisely to put into effect a new round of 10% tariffs on Chinese products. Beijing has not hesitated to respond with countermeasures. The Chinese government has announced a 10% tariff increase on imports of US soybeans, pork, beef, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Other products such as wheat, corn or cotton will have a 15% surcharge.

The Chinese capital has been sealed off with extensive and visible security measures to host the event, popularly known as Lianghui, which literally means "two sessions." This Tuesday the doors of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPX), the country's main advisory body, open, and on Wednesday it will be the turn of the National People's Congress (NPC), the Chinese legislature.

The two sessions are held in parallel with closed-door meetings for just over a week and are a well-oiled liturgy to expose the workings of power. The legislature has no power to control the government: the proposals arrive already agreed upon and are presented in the inaugural speech. At the end of the conclave they are approved in a public vote by an overwhelming majority.

The Lianghui always focuses on the country's internal politics, takes stock of the year of government and outlines the roadmap for the future. However, this year the international situation has fully entered into both sessions, especially due to the tariff war with the United States, which comes at a time of weakness in the Chinese economy. Although 2024 ended with an increase in exports, the real estate crisis, rising unemployment and difficulties in activating domestic consumption are the main concerns.

Precisely the fear of social unrest will be the focus of some of the proposals that will be discussed during the session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. This advisory body made up of members of civil society is used so that proposals that interest different groups reach the government. The reality is that it is often used to launch a trial balloon and check social acceptance.

This year the official press has highlighted the proposal to lower the legal age of marriage to eighteen years and eliminate the limit of being able to have only three children. These are measures that are part of the attempts to promote marriage and consequently birth rate and which have been met with all kinds of criticism on social media. There will also be a proposal to increase pensions and aid for families with children and young people without work. And many initiatives have been registered to discuss the development of artificial intelligence.

The proposals will be debated and some will be raised to higher bodies. Hopefully, at the October meeting of the central committee they will be ratified so that they can be approved at the plenary session in 2026.

The opening of the consultative session brings together party delegates, trade unionists, members of associations, academics, businessmen and representatives of minorities, a varied social representation that contrasts with the association. This Wednesday, in the plenary of parliament, hundreds of men, dressed in grey or army green, and few women will follow the government report that will be read by Prime Minister Li Qiangon, where the political and economic objectives for the future will be defined.