China’s annual ‘two sessions’ kick off amid planning for Trump visit and PLA ‘progress’

INTRODUCTION This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates by downloading our app. Premier Li Qiang is presenting the government’s annual work report at the opening ceremony of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC). This year’s annual meetings of the top legislature and the top advisory body – together known as the “two sessions”... Two Sessions 2026ChinaPoliticsLIVEUpdated 1 minute agoChina’s annual ‘two sessions’ kick off amid planning for Trump visit and PLA ‘progress’Beijing poised to give final endorsement of 15th five-year plan for economic and social development as it faces complex global landscapeSCMP ReportersPublished: 8:12am, 5 Mar 2026Updated: 8:15am, 5 Mar 20260 New UpdateIntroductionINTRODUCTIONThis live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates by downloading our app.Premier Li Qiang is presenting the government’s annual work report at the opening ceremony of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC).This year’s annual meetings of the top legislature and the top advisory body – together known as the “two sessions” – are being held ahead of US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to China from March 31.Facing a complex, volatile international landscape marked by strategic competition with the US and opportunities for diversified cooperation with Europe and the Global South, Beijing is poised to give its final endorsement of the 15th five-year plan, setting the stage for economic and social development from now to 2030.In addition, China has laid out broad goals for the People’s Liberation Army to make “significant progress” on information warfare, military mechanisation and strategic projection by 2027, when the PLA celebrates its centenary.Reporting by Meredith Chen, Sylvie Ma, Ji Siqi, Alyssa Chen, Xinlu Liang and Alcott WeiMore from our reporting:– Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes visit to meet Xi Jinping?– Generals stripped of CPPCC roles as China’s corruption clean-up continuesAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x