[China Two Sessions] "Firmly Defend National Sovereignty"... Continuous Checks on the US

Wang Yang, Chairman of the CPPCC, Emphasizes Commitment to Security Protection
In the NPC Press Conference, He Opposes "Expanded Jurisdiction Measures"

China's largest annual political event, the Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), officially opened, with Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC, emphasizing the determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security. This is interpreted as a warning directed at the United States, which has recently experienced conflicts over the Taiwan issue and reconnaissance balloon incidents.

The CPPCC, a national policy advisory body, held the opening ceremony of the 14th CPPCC First Session on the afternoon of the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, attended by President Xi Jinping and other leaders. Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th CPPCC, delivered a work report lasting about 50 minutes, emphasizing "Chinese-style modernization" and explaining issues such as the Hong Kong National Security Law, electoral system improvements, and strengthening relations with Taiwan. He particularly mentioned Western interference in Taiwan and Hong Kong matters, stressing, "We will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Wang continued, "The Communist Party, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has unified the strategy for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and planned major changes unseen in a century," adding, "The entire Party, military, and all ethnic groups have achieved significant results in responding to complex international situations and various challenges." He also stated, "The 20th Party Congress has drawn a blueprint for comprehensively promoting the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization," emphasizing, "The CPPCC must implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, faithfully perform its functions, practice whole-process people's democracy, promote great unity among the sons and daughters of China, and contribute to achieving the goals set by the Party Congress."

The CPPCC session that opened on this day will run until the 11th, while the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) First Session, equivalent to a regular parliamentary session, will be held from the 5th to the 13th. A key event at the NPC is Premier Li Keqiang's announcement of the growth target. Other agenda items include government work and budget reports, review of State Council reform plans, and election and appointment of national agency members, totaling nine items. Both global markets and domestic expectations predominantly foresee the government targeting a growth rate in the 5% range.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a prior NPC press conference, Wang Chao, NPC spokesperson, repeatedly voiced warnings directed at the United States. In response to questions about China's foreign relations law legislation, he stated, "China consistently opposes the expansion of jurisdiction measures." Wang criticized, "Some countries have continuously abused extraterritorial application of domestic laws to suppress foreign organizations and individuals and violate international law for their own interests," adding, "Such harassment has been widely criticized by the international community." He further explained, "It is necessary to establish laws that respond to and abolish such measures. China will not tolerate infringements on its core interests," and elaborated, "The law will resolutely respond, including relevant provisions, to acts that undermine China's sovereignty, security, and development interests and harm the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese nation. This is both justified and necessary."

In contrast, regarding relations with the European Union (EU), he took a relatively friendly stance, saying, "Europe is a comprehensive strategic partner," and "We support the EU's strategic autonomy, support European unity and prosperity, and back the EU's constructive role in international affairs."

Regarding whether the defense budget will increase, he said, "It is necessary to address complex security challenges and fulfill the responsibilities of major powers," adding, "China's future is closely linked to the world's future, and China's military modernization will not threaten any country but is actively needed to maintain regional and global peace."

Meanwhile, this year's Two Sessions are conducted in a closed-loop system. Attending representatives underwent PCR testing before entering the closed loop, and during the event, they are not allowed to leave hotels or venues. Domestic and foreign journalists permitted to attend also stay in quarantine hotels from the day before the opening and closing ceremonies or press conferences, following the closed-loop protocol. On the opening day, the top leadership, including President Xi, appeared without masks, while other attendees wore masks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.