Takeaways from China’s National People’s Congress Meeting

China's annual Two Sessions meetings provide insights into its economic and political priorities, including the 15th Five-Year Plan. Beijing is attempting to address its economic slowdown by simultaneously boosting domestic demand while also prioritizing state-led investment in technology and manufacturing tied to strategic competition. This creates tension, as the focus on industrial upgrading may limit resources available for the household support needed to revive consumption. Additionally, recent purges of senior military figures suggest Xi Jinping remains focused on tightening political control over the armed forces amid persistent instability.