What is two sessions?

For those unfamiliar with China's political system, the term looks confusing at first. It refers to the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body. A common misunderstanding is that the NPC comprises all Communist Party of China members. For a detailed understanding about what the NPC is, how deputies to the NPC or members of the CPPCC are elected, and how they play their different roles, please visit here.

What's hot?

The terrorist attack at Kunming Railway Station in Yunnan province on March 1 cast a shadow over the two sessions. For the first time in the history of the CPPCC, the opening ceremony on March 3 observed a minute's silence for victims (Photos). Anti-terror also becomes a key issue among NPC deputies and CPPCC members, with some calling for a national anti-terror law.

NPC press conference

Fu Ying, a spokesperson for the NPC session, gave a press conference on the schedule of the session and issues related to the work of the NPC ahead of the session's opening on March 5.

Fu is the first female spokesperson in the 60-year history of the NPC. Related report: Fu Ying, diplomacy's 'iron lady', turns on the style

Celebrities under the spotlight

From Nobel Prize in Literature winner Mo Yan to former NBA star Yao Ming, Hong Kong star Jackie Chan and the mainland "king of comedy" Zhao Benshan, celebrities as usual are the hot target for journalists. Some observers have urged reporters to focus more on what public issues are raised by the CPPCC members instead of who they are.

Rumor

Huang Qifan, the mayor of southwest China's Chongqing municipality, denied he will be transferred to lead a new office by the central government. Huang asked people not to spread gossip.

Anti-corruption

One day before the NPC opens, Xinhua said charges are filed against seven suspects in an electoral fraud scandal in Hengyang city, Hunan province,a clear signal of China's ongoing anti-graft campaign. China will severely punish corrupt officials, no matter who they are and what position they hold, CPPCC spokesman Lv Xinhua said at a press conference.

What to watch today?

Premier Li Keqiang will deliver the government work report at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday.

How is two sessions reported?

Both print and online media closely monitor the two sessions, one of the biggest political events in China. News portal Sohu.com summarizes the core news with one Chinese character a day, with the first one mai (Smog) to highlight environmental protection amid China's economic rise.

Sina leads its special coverage with a picture of Yuan Baocheng, mayor of Dongguan city in South China's Guangdong province. Yuan declined to forecast how the crackdown on the sex trade in Dongguan will affect its economy.

"To remove the defects and establish something new." This is the theme of news portal NetEase's special report about the two sessions. "The Year of the Ox and the Year of the Horse are the best time for ploughing." Premier Li Keqiang cited this old Chinese saying at a gathering earlier this year to boost morale during deepening reform. As the two sessions open, much hope is pinned on reform for a more sustainable path in the Year of the Horse.

 

How to follow the news of two sessions?

Besides the China Daily newspaper and website, you can also get the latest news, pictures and analysis from Twitter, Facebook and WeChat.