China's top political advisory body outlines main tasks for 2026

The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, outlined its main tasks for 2026 on Wednesday at the opening meeting of its annual session in Beijing.

Wang Huning, chairman of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, presented the tasks in a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

Wang stressed the importance of upholding the overall leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and adhering to the correct political orientation.

He called on CPPCC members to arm themselves with the new theories of the CPC and build broad consensus.

He urged CPPCC members to offer ideas and suggestions for implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and fulfill their duties to serve the central task of the CPC and the country.

"The CPPCC will offer ideas and suggestions for implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and serve the central task of the CPC and the country by fulfilling its duty with high quality. It will implement its 2026 consultation agenda, conduct in-depth research and extensive consultations and discussions on the major tasks and strategic initiatives outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan, and focus on major theoretical and practical issues related to laying a solid foundation for basically realizing socialist modernization and pushing ahead on all fronts. We will carry out thematic research across special committees, sectors, and disciplines to formulate forward-looking, targeted, and practicable policy recommendations," Wang said.

"We will reflect social conditions and public opinion truthfully on key issues in areas such as economic development, technological innovation, reform and opening up, social development, and people's livelihood. With a proper understanding of the nature of consultative oversight, we will implement the CPPCC National Committee's democratic supervision work plans during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and promote the implementation of the CPC Central Committee's major decisions and deployments," he said. Wang also urged CPPCC members to improve their capabilities to better fulfill their duties.

The CPPCC is an organization in the patriotic united front of the Chinese people, an important organ for multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, and an important means of promoting socialist democracy in China's political life.

The main functions of the CPPCC are to conduct political consultation, exercise democratic supervision and participate in the discussion and handling of state affairs.

This year's CPPCC National Committee session will last from March 4 to 11.

China's top political advisory body outlines main tasks for 2026

China's top political advisory body outlines main tasks for 2026

Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, flight J267 from Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Among the passengers was a small group of Chinese nationals escaping a war that began with loud explosions in Tehran, capital of Iran on Saturday.

A bus arranged by the Chinese embassy in Azerbaijan left the Astara checkpoint in southern Azerbaijan on the border with Iran early on Sunday afternoon, carrying the first group of the 76 Chinese nationals to Baku.

"The Astara Crossing is the closest one to Tehran, and the road conditions are relatively good," said Wu, a Chinese evacuee who just landed in Beijing.

The Astara Crossing is one of five land border points recommended by the Chinese embassy. Chinese nationals can enter Azerbaijan visa-free, but the group still faced delays at the checkpoint. After hours of coordination by Chinese embassy staff, they were able to cross and took a bus to Baku.

While some chose to rest in the city, others booked the first flight they could find, despite the hefty price tag. As they returned home, the conflict is still ongoing there.

"I felt very emotional when we entered the Chinese airspace. At last I was back in my home country. I felt relieved. But I'm still worried about the people back in Iran," said Ai, another evacuee.

Iran retaliated with a series of counterattacks against Israel and U.S. targets across the region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia, among other countries.

Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan arrive in Beijing