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Worldwide media outlets have turned their attention to the upcoming "two sessions" of China's top legislature and political advisory body. Many domestic and overseas media outlets have sent veteran journalists to Beijing, and several international media giants have commented on China's reform efforts or predicted the country's future in the main pages of their newspapers and prime-time shows. The global news industry is now focused on the “two sessions.”
As the most important political event in China after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, this year's "two sessions" of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) have special significance.
First, 2,987 deputies to the 12th NPC will exercise their right to elect the new president of China and other key members of the new Chinese central government.
Second, the reform policies agreed at the 18th CPC National Congress need to go through the NPC, China's top legislature, to become state policies. Certain specific reform measures will also be introduced at this year's "two sessions," including measures on institutional restructuring and functional transformation of the State Council. It is generally believed that China aims to build a more efficient and competent government.
There is no doubt that with an optimized structure of NPC deputies and the public's greater political participation, this year's 'two sessions' will further promote China's reform and opening-up. A prosperous China is bound to play an active role in promoting world development and prosperity.
The "two sessions" are also important to foreigners because they need to gain a better understanding of China by analyzing information from the sessions. People fear what they do not understand, and certain countries and their people are not sure whether China’s rise is a blessing or a threat. There are still all kinds of misunderstandings and prejudices about China, which is why various versions of the "China threat" theories have appeared.
If ideological prejudices are put aside, China's image is actually presented in two directions.
First, foreigners see China when they "come." They will see a more open and stable China at this year's "two sessions."
Second, China shows itself when it "goes global." Due to growing tensions between China and its neighboring countries, as well as subsequent frequent military drills in recent years, the international community is worried that China's growing military power may threaten the security of East Asia. Chinese can only say that certain military powerhouses have indeed caused terrible disasters to the world, but China was just a victim. It has been reiterated that China does not seek hegemony, and adheres to the path of peaceful development. "Going global" does not conflict with peaceful development. However, it should be noted that sticking to peaceful development does not mean China will act weak, endure bullying, or sacrifice its core interests.
The "two sessions" are the most important political events for the Chinese people, and foreign observers will find again that Chinese love peace and are determined to safeguard their national sovereignty.
Read the Chinese version: 两会何以引发全球新闻战;Source: People's Daily Overses Edition; Author: Yang Kai
