Observation of China by Sugath，A Sinhala Lecturer at Yunnan University
The Two Sessions, or Lianghui, is the popular name for the back-to-back meetings of two of China’s major political bodies – the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s legislature. The Two Sessions are closely watched by foreign investors or policy makers, as they provide a key insight into China’s political landscape, reveal Beijing’s priorities for the coming year, and outline the country’s overall policy direction.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the NPC convened for its opening meeting of the annual Two Sessions. In the meeting, Premier Li Qiang delivered the 2025 Government Work Report (2025 GWR) on behalf of the State Council, which sets a vast range of economic and development tasks for the country to pursue over the coming year. It includes the 2025 GDP growth target and outlines how China plans to achieve its economic goals.
Image: The deputies to the National People's Congress walked out of the Great Hall of the People)
Sugath's connection with China began in 2017 when he came to Kunming as a journalist for the Sinhala language channel of China International Broadcasting Station to cover the Southwestern China International Fair. The natural beauty and unique culture of Kunming deeply attracted him, making him determined to “come back to Kunming someday.” In 2020, he was hired as a Sinhala language instructor at Yunnan University and returned to Kunming, where he began a new chapter of his life.
Image: Sugath, a Sri Lankan lecturer at Yunnan University
Sugath has always been committed to building a bridge for China-Sri Lanka cultural exchanges. He actively promoted cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries. At his initiative, Yunnan University established the “China-Sri Lanka Friendship Library,” which greatly facilitated Chinese students' learning of the Sinhala language. Thanks to his efforts, China and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding, enabling many Chinese students to pursue graduate degrees at top Sri Lankan national universities and allowing Sri Lankan students the opportunity to study in China. For his contributions, Sugath was awarded the “Yunnan Friendship Award” and received high recognition from Yunnan University and the Yunnan Provincial Government.
Below are excerpts from his perception on Two Sessions.
As someone who has lived in China for many years, how do you understand the significance of the Two Sessions in China’s political system?
The “Two Sessions” (Lianggui) are important events in China’s political calendar. They include the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). These meetings serve as platforms for setting national priorities and policies. I expect this year’s sessions to focus on economic revitalization, technological innovation, and social welfare etc.
China has set a target of around 5% economic growth for 2025 to stimulate the economy amid global uncertainties. I expect that fiscal stimulus measures, monetary policy adjustments, exchange rate stability, and structural reforms, and long-term strategies will be adopted to achieve this goal.
A central theme of this year’s sessions is the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). China is emphasizing technological innovation as a driver of economic growth. The government is increasing support for high-tech sectors, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to boost productivity and global competitiveness. The emergence of companies such as DeepSeek highlights China’s ambition to lead in high-tech sectors.
On the other hand, the two sessions also provide a platform for China to assert its role as a stable force amid global tensions. With international challenges such as US-Ukraine tensions and the fragile Gaza ceasefire, China is seeking to build stability and credibility on the world stage. This is crucial for fostering international partnerships and enhancing China’s role in global affairs.
Domestically, the sessions are expected to address key issues such as fiscal policy, social welfare and environmental sustainability. Reflecting national development, the government aims to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental conservation. Therefore, these discussions are essential to achieving the goals set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes high-quality development and modernization.
Accordingly, these two sessions aim to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world, strengthening China's commitment to sustainable development and global stability.
What aspects of the 2025 Two Sessions are you most interested in, and why?
The 2025 "two sessions" are crucial in shaping the nation's policy direction. In particular, the economic growth target. China has set a target of around 5% economic growth for 2025. The Chinese government must achieve this target amid global economic uncertainties, including trade tensions and a slowing global economy.
Technological innovation and artificial intelligence (AI), especially the technological advancement of artificial intelligence, are also a focal point of this year’s sessions. China hopes to achieve these goals by increasing investment in science and technology.
Another is fiscal and monetary policy. To address economic constraints, China need to implement supportive fiscal and monetary policies. This includes increasing fiscal spending to fund infrastructure projects and support local economies, as well as encouraging investment.
Another important issue is social policies and employment. It is expected to discuss efforts to improve social welfare systems and promote sustainable urban development. In addition, special attention will be paid to job creation.
Finally, the two sessions of 2025 highlight China's strategic priorities in the areas of economic growth, technological innovation, fiscal and monetary policy, and social development. These discussions and decisions will significantly affect China's trajectory in the coming years, reflecting its responses to both domestic challenges and global dynamics.
Image:Sugath’s Life in China
How do you think the decisions made during the Two Sessions might impact China’s international relations, particularly with Sri Lanka?
These “two sessions” are crucial in shaping China’s domestic and foreign policies. Decisions made at these sessions have a significant impact on China’s international relations.
For example, decisions made here can affect Sri Lanka’s economic policies and bilateral cooperation. China’s economic strategy is aligned with China’s commitment to enhancing investment and economic cooperation with Sri Lanka. In January 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake agreed to strengthen cooperation, particularly by aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Sri Lanka’s 2030 Digital Economy Plan. This alignment is expected to attract Chinese investment in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and technology sectors, and foster the island’s economic growth and modernization.
Another example is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and infrastructure development. The two sessions will reaffirm China’s commitment to the BRI, which has helped in developing infrastructure projects in partner countries, including Sri Lanka. Continued cooperation under the BRI framework can lead to the development of critical infrastructure such as ports, highways and energy projects in Sri Lanka, thereby enhancing connectivity and economic integration between the two countries.
Similarly, the decisions of the two sessions that promote cultural and educational exchanges can strengthen people-to-people ties between China and Sri Lanka. Enhanced cooperation in tourism, education and cultural programs can enhance mutual understanding and goodwill, and lay a solid foundation for long-term bilateral relations.
Finally, the outcomes of the two sessions of China 2025 can have significant impacts on Sri Lanka and its international relations. Sri Lanka's debt sustainability, economic cooperation, technical cooperation, and infrastructure development can lead to a mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with China's strategic interests while supporting Sri Lanka's development goals.