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THIS WEEK:

Two Sessions begin, call for early action on economy, Xi elevates “Peaceful China Initiative,” lower marriage age proposed, and post-earthquake reconstruction in Tibetan villages

1. Two Sessions Season

What Happened: Nearly 5,000 political figures from across the country are gathering in Beijing to attend the annual Two Sessions from March 4 to March 11. The central message from China’s top leaders is clear, and it is aimed at both domestic and international audiences: under Xi’s leadership, China has successfully navigated 2024, and it will strengthen the determination and confidence of the Chinese people to achieve new victories in 2025.

Why It Matters: The annual Two Sessions serve as a vital platform for Beijing to communicate its policies. During the event, Beijing also gathers over 10,000 proposals from participants, covering politics, the economy, society, and security. This feedback offers valuable insights into public sentiment, helping Beijing balance development and security.
 
By Lobsang Tsering, Senior Research Associate, Center for China Analysis

Learn More: Find out what to watch for at the Two Sessions in a preview paper by CCA Fellow Neil Thomas and CCA Co-Founder and Managing Director Jing Qian.

2. Government Work Report Calls for Early Action on Economy

What Happened: This year’s Government Work Report calls for swift, decisive action, with Premier Li Qiang’s message to “err on the side of being too early rather than too late” signaling a shift toward front-loaded economic stimulus to restore confidence. Consumption will take center stage, and asset market stability has emerged as a macroeconomic policy priority, with Beijing banking on the “wealth effect” to boost spending.

Why It Matters: Beijing is tying consumption and asset price stability to economic momentum, a departure from past caution, and the report conveys urgency amid external risks and domestic vulnerabilities. However, the report’s broad guidance offers few details, and whether this “act early” strategy delivers will depend on execution in the months ahead.

By Lizzi C. Lee, Fellow on Chinese Economy, Center for China Analysis (@wstv_lizzi)

Learn More: Watch CCA experts analyze Beijing’s policy priorities for the year and its targets for growth, inflation, and spending in a next-day webinar on the Two Sessions.

3. Xi Elevates “Peaceful China Initiative”

What Happened: Xi Jinping revived the “Peaceful China Initiative,” an old slogan that promotes China’s peaceful rise, at the Politburo study session on February 28. He said the initiative makes “sustained efforts to enhance national security, social order, governance effectiveness, and public satisfaction.”

Why It Matters: Xi first mentioned the slogan in 2013, but its elevation suggests that he sees value in promoting it more widely, both domestically and abroad. It also reflects lingering concerns about recent violent incidents in China, partly fueled by economic inequality and social pressures, and partly by the need to quell international fears about China’s foreign policy by recasting the country as a supporter of global peace. But with incoming U.S. tariffs, China may face stiff economic headwinds and increasing social instability in the near term.
 
By Lyle Morris, Senior Fellow on Foreign Policy and National Security, Center for China Analysis (@LyleJMorris)
 
Learn More: Read a South China Morning Post interview with CCA Co-Founder and Managing Director Jing Qian on “Right-Sizing China’s Economy in the Age of Trump and DeepSeek.”

4. Lower Marriage Age Proposed to Arrest Population Decline

What Happened: During the Two Sessions, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference proposed lowering the legal age of marriage to 18, down from the current 22 for men and 20 for women. Similar proposals have been considered at previous sessions dating back to 2012. Marriages declined more than 20% in 2024, with just over 6 million registered, far less than the peak of 13 million in 2013.

Why It Matters: Fewer marriages mean fewer children — though births ticked up in 2024 after COVID-19 and as more families took advantage of the “three-child policy.” Fertility rates continue on a steep downward trend in East Asia and other parts of the world, and Beijing is struggling with how to maintain a stable population and achieve ambitious economic growth targets amid changing social norms.

By G.A. Donovan, Fellow on Chinese Society and Political Economy, Center for China Analysis (@GA_DonovanASPI)

Learn More: Watch a roundtable convened by Asia Society President and CEO Kyung-wha Kang on “Navigating the Demographic Shift in Aging East Asian Societies.”

5. Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Begins in Tibetan Villages

What Happened: Gurum Village, about 20 miles west of Lhasa, held a ceremony on March 1 to launch rebuilding efforts for eight villages affected by January’s 6.8-magnitude earthquake. Over the past month, authorities have cleared debris, conducted risk assessments, and consulted more than 120,000 displaced residents on housing design.

Why It Matters: When rebuilding, authorities have prioritized ecological and environmental protection while avoiding areas along the earthquake belt or prone to landslides or floods. As China may continue to experience earthquakes, preparedness and foresight are important to minimize future damage and safeguard communities.

By Taylah Bland, Fellow on Climate and the Environment, Center for China Analysis (@Taylahbland)

Learn More: Taylah explained why “China Will Accelerate Climate Resilience as a Security Priority” in China 2024: What to Watch.