EVENTS

The annually held “Two Sessions” (Liǎng huì) – the concurrent meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s large deliberative parliamentary body, and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an advisory institution often regarded as even more powerless – met 5-11 March 2025. Over the course of a week, government officials, members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), academics, industry leaders, and various delegates gathered for speeches, press conferences, and side meetings. The Government Work Report presented by Premier Li Qiang outlined policy priorities for the coming year. However, these priorities were largely determined in advance, as the “Two Sessions” is a meticulously choreographed and highly structured event that primarily serves to formalize and announce predetermined decisions. The “Two Sessions” took place against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between China and the US, as well between the US and the EU, rising protectionist tendencies and a rapidly changing international order. The Round Table will provide an in-depth discussion on critical aspects of the “Two Sessions” mostly focussing on domestic policies, including China’s rural revitalization strategy, increasing support for the private sector, efforts to stimulate domestic consumption and reduce reliance on exports, historical perspectives, and gender-related policy considerations.

Speakers

Sreemati Chakrabarti, former Professor, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi; Chairperson and Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. She will discuss “The National People's Congress of China: Origins and Evolution.”

Ashok K. Kantha, former Ambassador to China; Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies; Distinguished Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi. He will present on “China's Economic Balancing Act: Exports vs. Consumption.”

Anand P. Krishnan, Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University; Adjunct Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. He will examine “China’s Private Sector and Increasing Vote of Confidence from the Party-state.”

Ritu Agarwal, Associate Professor, Centre for East Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. She will speak on “Back to Countryside? New Trends in Rural Revitalization.”

Rityusha Mani Tiwary, Department of Political Science, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi; Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi; Associate Editor, China Report: A Journal of East Asian Studies. She will focus on “China's Indigenous Innovation: Is Chinese AI the Curveball?”

Usha Chandran,  Assistant Professor, Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. She will explore “Women to Rejuvenate the Nation by Reproducing More: Is Creating ‘Mom Jobs’ the Answer?”

Moderator

Manoranjan Mohanty, former Professor of Political Science; and, former Director, Developing Countries Research Centre, University of Delhi; Distinguished Professor, Council for Social Development; Emeritus Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi.

Tea - 5:30 PM onwards