Overview

• China's National People's Congress (NPC) begins its annual Two Sessions, highlighting economic priorities and diplomatic strategies for the year ahead.
• Beijing is prioritizing innovation and self-sufficiency in high-tech sectors, with a focus on AI and green technologies, as it navigates US trade restrictions and tariffs.
• NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian criticized US-imposed tariffs as violations of international trade norms and announced retaliatory measures on American agricultural exports.
• China is seeking closer ties with Europe, framing the relationship as independent of third-party influence, while addressing past tensions over its stance on Ukraine and trade disagreements.
• Economic challenges such as weak domestic demand, high youth unemployment, and falling real estate prices are prompting discussions on fiscal stimulus and consumer spending policies.