Beijing, March 6: Every March, Beijing hosts the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), collectively known as the “Two Sessions.” This event is not only a significant political occurrence in China but also serves as a window for foreigners to understand the Chinese style of democracy. For many international observers, democracy in China may seem somewhat abstract. However, the Two Sessions are more than just serious conferences and heated discussions; they are an excellent mechanism for transforming public opinion into national policy.
Chinese-style democracy is not a mere formal process where citizens wake up during elections and then fall back asleep. It embodies a comprehensive and inclusive approach to public democracy. Representatives from the NPC and members of the CPPCC come from all walks of life. They act as “sensors” of public opinion, channeling voices from rural fields to grand national discussions.
For instance, Xu Chongxiang, a farmer from Anhui Province, dedicates his life to agriculture. He observed a rising demand for organic grains and oils due to improved living standards, yet noted a lack of well-known brands in the market. During last year’s Two Sessions, he proposed the establishment of a public brand for organic products. This suggestion resonates with the hopes of millions of farmers around him, who aspire for “clean water and green mountains” to transform into “invaluable assets.”
Even more impressively, the seeds of democracy are being sown in high schools. At Oshin No. 1 High School in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, students in the “Model CPPCC” club completed two draft proposals after months of research. One focuses on improving digital literacy, while the other emphasizes the preservation of dialects. These proposals were presented during the ongoing Two Sessions, ensuring that the voices of youth are heard through democratic channels. This marks the 11th consecutive year that students from Oshin No. 1 High School have brought their draft proposals to the Two Sessions.
These stories illustrate the intrinsic nature of Chinese-style democracy. Suggestions and proposals are not merely the results of closed-door discussions; they stem from the representatives’ efforts to listen to the voices of the people. According to statistics, during the third plenary session of the 14th NPC, representatives submitted a total of 9,160 suggestions, each tied to specific demands related to citizens’ livelihoods.
Submitting suggestions is just the first step. The strength of Chinese-style democracy lies in how these “voices on paper” are transformed into concrete policies. Reports indicate that during the last two sessions, 211 departments took responsibility for addressing all 9,160 suggestions submitted by representatives. All issues have now been resolved, and responses have been provided to the representatives.
Last year, many representatives from Guangdong, Shanghai, and Sichuan proposed enhancing the role of AI in the manufacturing industry. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology adopted these suggestions and issued implementation guidelines for “AI Plus Manufacturing,” which include 74 policy measures and 177 concrete recommendations. The representatives’ ideas were incorporated into national policies aimed at promoting high-quality development in the manufacturing sector.
For the general public, democracy is not just about processes; it is also about outcomes. The impact of Chinese-style democracy should ultimately be reflected in solving people’s problems.
To this end, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs organized programs such as agricultural fairs and consumption incentives based on representatives’ suggestions. This led to sales of agricultural products exceeding 30 billion yuan. Numerous representatives proposed improvements to the Huaihe River in Henan Province, resulting in the initiation of a project with over 10 billion yuan in investment, set to begin in November 2025.
Looking ahead to this year’s Two Sessions, reviewing the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan is the main agenda. Over the next five years, China’s development plans are gradually taking shape through discussions and suggestions from representatives and members. The Two Sessions demonstrate that democracy is a dynamic and profound process that originates from the people and returns to them.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment