China’s Legislature to Focus on Economy and Artificial Intelligence
China’s legislature is poised to focus on economic recovery and artificial intelligence during the upcoming National People’s Congress session in Beijing. With delegates arriving for the event, the government is expected to set a 5% growth target while addressing trade tensions and internal economic challenges. Legislative support for private enterprises and advancements in AI are also anticipated to be key topics of discussion.
In anticipation of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) session commencing on Wednesday in Beijing, economic recovery and the advancement of artificial intelligence are projected to dominate discussions. Approximately 2,900 delegates will convene during this gathering, which also coincides with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, working collectively on government priorities in an event known as the Two Sessions.
During this ceremonial week, Premier Li Qiang is poised to announce an economic growth target of approximately 5%, continuing the trend set in preceding years. As China grapples with sluggish consumer spending, an ongoing property crisis, escalating government debt, and renewed tensions in trade relations with the United States, these meetings take on significant importance. Additionally, recent announcements of tariffs up to 15% on U.S. agricultural imports heighten the economic climate’s uncertainty.
Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the NPC, emphasized the growing challenges faced by China’s economy from external factors. He highlighted, “Undoubtedly, the adverse impacts brought by the external environment have deepened, and China’s economy still faces some difficulties and challenges.”
The government is expected to propose strategies to stimulate consumption, including increasing the fiscal deficit from 3% to 4%, although large-scale stimulus measures are unlikely. The integration of artificial intelligence into policy frameworks will likely be prioritized, with Lou referencing the innovative DeepSeek AI model as a testament to China’s commitment to technological advancements.
Moreover, the assembly will deliberate on legislation aimed at enhancing conditions for private enterprises, reinforcing government support for the sector. President Xi Jinping recently met with prominent business leaders, reinforcing his stance on valuing the private sector’s contributions.
The 2025 defense budget will also be unveiled during this session, following a reported increase of 7.2% to the previous year’s budget, maintaining China’s position as the second-largest military spender globally.
The upcoming sessions of the National People’s Congress are crucial for addressing economic challenges and fostering advancements in artificial intelligence. As China confronts internal and external economic pressures, the government’s support for private enterprises and strategic fiscal policies will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s immediate future. The discussions on defense spending further underline the broader strategic priorities of the government in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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