China, Trump’s visit and the priority for this year’s ‘two sessions’

Beijing sees self-reliant tech growth as vital to innovation, spokesman for top legislature says, noting country will safeguard ‘red lines’

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Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, addresses a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

China will focus on economic resilience as lawmakers gather in Beijing for the country’s annual legislative session – just days before US President Donald Trump touches down in the Chinese capital.

Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the National People’s Congress , outlined the NPC’s agenda on Wednesday, taking the opportunity to also stress that China will not compromise on core principles in dealing with the United States.

The NPC will run for eight days from Thursday, and during the gathering, China’s policymakers are expected to set the country’s agenda for the year.

One of the top priorities is to finalise the 15th five-year plan for development, a pivotal period for Beijing to gain a stronger footing amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a global tech race.