First Session of the 14th National People's Congress

First Session of the 14th National People's Congress was the inaugural parliamentary gathering of the 14th National People's Congress, the supreme state authority of the People's Republic of China. Convened in March 2023 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the session performed the constitutional functions of electing state leadership and approving major policy directions for the new five-year term. It marked a key political event following the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party and set the administrative and legislative agenda under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Background and convening

The session was constitutionally mandated following the conclusion of the 13th National People's Congress and the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which had established the political roadmap for the nation. Delegates to the 14th National People's Congress were elected and confirmed through procedures organized by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and various electoral units across all provinces, autonomous regions, and the People's Liberation Army. The formal convening was announced by the Presidium of the National People's Congress, with preparatory meetings setting the procedural rules and agenda. The gathering occurred amidst a national context focused on economic recovery and technological self-reliance, as outlined in reports from the Central Economic Work Conference.

Agenda and proceedings

The primary agenda items included hearing and deliberating on the Government Work Report delivered by outgoing Premier Li Keqiang, alongside reports on the National Economic and Social Development Plan and the central and local budgets. Proceedings followed the standard order of the National People's Congress with plenary meetings, panel discussions among delegations from regions like Guangdong and Shanghai, and meetings of the presidium. Key speeches were delivered by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, emphasizing themes of Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation. The session also reviewed work reports from the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and deliberated on the draft plan for restructuring the State Council.

Election and appointment outcomes

The session conducted a series of elections and confirmations for the state's highest offices, utilizing a combination of voting and appointment procedures. Xi Jinping was unanimously re-elected as President of the People's Republic of China and concurrently as Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Han Zheng was elected as Vice President. Following nomination by President Xi, Li Qiang was approved as the new Premier of the State Council, succeeding Li Keqiang. The session also elected Zhao Leji as the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and confirmed the appointments of Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, and Liu Guozhong as Vice Premiers, alongside the nomination of the State Council ministers, including Qin Gang as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Legislative and policy decisions

Beyond personnel appointments, the session examined and approved several foundational policy documents. It ratified the Government Work Report, which set economic growth targets and policy priorities for 2023, and passed the annual budget and development plan. A significant legislative outcome was the review and approval of the State Council institutional reform plan, which involved restructuring key ministries like the Ministry of Science and Technology and establishing new bodies such as the National Financial Regulatory Administration to enhance party leadership in specific sectors. The session also passed a resolution endorsing the broader policy direction for national development, aligning with the objectives set forth in the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Significance and impact

The session was pivotal in consolidating the leadership and policy framework established at the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, ensuring a seamless transition of state power. It legally enshrined the new leadership lineup, reinforcing the centralised, unified leadership of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. The policy and institutional reforms approved were designed to improve governance efficiency and address strategic challenges in areas like technology, finance, and data governance. The decisions made during this session set the operational and legislative course for the People's Republic of China during a period defined by both domestic developmental goals and a complex international environment.

Category:2023 in Chinese politics Category:National People's Congress sessions Category:2023 in international relations