China's annual "two sessions" concluded Thursday in Beijing with expanded media access, as lawmakers, advisers, and ministers fielded questions on economic growth, technology, and social policy, championing transparency in the country's legislative and consultative process.
China's annual "two sessions" convene the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), the country's highest legislative and advisory organs. As the CPPCC wrapped up Wednesday and the NPC closed Thursday.
This year's openness, from press conferences to "passage" interviews, highlighted China's effort to project confidence and engage directly with domestic and international audiences.
During the meetings, 18 NPC deputies, 26 CPPCC members, and 9 ministers walked the "passage" -- designated group interview areas, where they addressed media. Topics ranged from grain security and artificial intelligence (AI) in education to healthcare and technology development.
"The Deputies' Passage feels like an open window. It allows us to respond promptly to issues the public cares about, offering better suggestions for high-quality development," said NPC deputy Ni Di.
"The Members' Passage lets us share grassroots stories with the world up close. This open format is excellent," said CPPCC member Cui Haiyang.
Ministers addressed economic and social challenges at the Ministers’ Passage, outlining immediate measures and long‑term plans for the new Five‑Year Plan period.
Their exchanges also unveiled more insights into the key policy goals of China's 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030), the blueprint mapping socioeconomic priorities for the coming years.
The sessions also held two spokesperson press conferences, as well as three press conferences on foreign policy, economy and people's livelihoods, which answered questions on GDP targets, China-U.S. relations, innovation, and welfare with data and policy details.
The openness of this year's "two sessions" drew notice beyond China's borders, with international observers highlighting the transparency and direct engagement between officials and the press.
"Just the opening up, allowing people to see what is really happening, and get a first-hand experience of the Chinese population and what the governance is like," said Marlon Samuels, a journalist from the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica.
"This is a very important, distinguished mark of the Chinese policy in terms of international engagement," said Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat.
China’s "two sessions" showcase openness with unprecedented media access
