**China’s Two Sessions convention takes on added significance amid US-China tensions**
Beijing (CNN)China’s annual Two Sessions political gathering got underway in Beijing on Friday, with the nation facing a host of domestic and international challenges including an ongoing trade war with the United States and the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
The gathering, held each year in March, brings together thousands of delegates from across the country, including members of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislative body.
This year’s meeting is taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 78,000 people in China and killed over 2,700.
The virus has had a significant impact on China’s economy, with many businesses forced to close and supply chains disrupted. The government has unveiled a series of measures to try to mitigate the impact of the outbreak, including tax cuts and subsidies for businesses.
The Two Sessions meeting will also be closely watched for signs of how China plans to respond to the ongoing trade war with the United States. The two sides have been locked in a year-long dispute over trade and tariffs, with no resolution in sight.
The United States has accused China of unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer. China has denied these allegations and accused the United States of protectionism.
The trade war has already had a significant impact on both economies, and there are fears that it could escalate further in the coming months.
The Two Sessions meeting will also be an opportunity for China’s leaders to unveil their plans for the coming year. The government is expected to announce a series of new policies, including measures to boost economic growth and address social issues such as poverty and inequality.
The meeting will also be closely watched for signs of any changes in China’s political leadership. President Xi Jinping is expected to remain in power for another five years, but there could be some changes in the makeup of the government’s top leadership bodies.
The Two Sessions meeting is a key event in China’s political calendar, and it will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. The meeting will provide important insights into China’s plans for the coming year, and it will also be a barometer of the country’s political and economic health.
Here are some of the key issues to watch for during the Two Sessions meeting:
* The government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak
* The impact of the trade war on China’s economy
* China’s plans to boost economic growth
* Measures to address social issues such as poverty and inequality
* Any changes in China’s political leadership
The Two Sessions meeting will conclude on March 11..
