China’s Annual Political Season has come to a close this week. Popularly known as the Two Sessions, the two-week convergence of delegates and deputies in Beijing culminated in a host of political, economic and foreign policy measures, designed to steer China’s development and international relations in the coming year.
After two weeks of political consultations and legislative actions in Beijing, key announcements covering both domestic and foreign policies came out of this year’s Two Sessions.
Last Tuesday, Premier Li Keqiang delivered China’s 2019 Government Work Report. Among the key issues addressed in the report was China’s economic growth target for the coming year. Set between 6-6.5%, it reflects a slowdown in the growth of the Chinese economy compared to last year’s 6.6%.
China’s new foreign investment law has also come into effect, as Beijing reiterates its commitment to negotiations and fair competition in addressing the ongoing trade hurdles with the U.S.
Chinese State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions on China’s foreign policy agenda, reaffirming the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity for shared development with other countries of the world.
On this episode of Talk Africa, Beatrice Marshall is joined by Dr David Monyae – Co-Director, Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg, Victor Gao – Director, China National Association of International Studies and David Owiro – Consultant Economist, for a deeper look at what the 2019 Sessions brought forth.
