Welcome to a special edition of Asia Daily focused on China’s annual Two Sessions (lianghui) meetings! For the next week, The Asia Cable will be providing daily news and commentary updates surrounding the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as China sets its legislative agenda for the next year. Tomorrow’s schedule can be found here.
News
International Women’s Day: China’s gender-equality failings still hold back women and economic growth, Beijing told. China faces significant gender equality challenges, impacting economic growth and demographics. Despite policy pledges, disparities in career development, wages, and domestic work persist, contributing to a declining birth rate and marriage rate. Political advisors call for comprehensive reforms to address these issues, emphasizing the need for equality in employment, retirement age, and reproductive rights. Mandy Zuo, South China Morning Post, March 8
China's top legislators pledge to safeguard sovereignty, security interests. China's National People's Congress Standing Committee vows to enact new laws to modernize national security and protect sovereign interests, reflecting a focus on security amid geopolitical tensions. Legislation includes an emergency management law and revisions to national defense education and cybersecurity laws. This aligns with President Xi Jinping's emphasis on countering internal and external threats, underscoring the expansion of national security in governance and legislation. Joe Cash and Laurie Chen, Reuters, March 8
China’s construction of the world’s largest particle collider may start in 2027. China plans to initiate the construction of the Circular Electron Positron Collider, also known as a Higgs factory, by 2027, with an estimated cost of US$5 billion. This ambitious project, expected to take a decade to complete, aims to create millions of Higgs bosons and facilitate breakthroughs beyond the Standard Model, signaling China's leap to become a global leader in high-energy physics. Ling Xin, South China Morning Post, March 8
On the Table at ‘Two Sessions’: Paid Leave, AI, and Education Bias. During China's "two sessions," discussions include enhancing paid leave enforcement, integrating AI courses into K-12 education, and addressing degree discrimination in hiring practices. These motions aim to improve work-life balance, nurture AI talent from a young age, and promote fairer employment opportunities across various educational backgrounds. Ye Zhanhang and Huang Yang, Sixth Tone, March 8
China to revise defence education law to promote patriotism and support for military. China plans to amend its National Defence Education Law to bolster patriotism and consolidate support for the military among the public, reflecting efforts to modernize national security systems. The revision aims to enhance the unity between the military, government, and people, amid increasing military development and regional tensions. Hayley Wong, South China Morning Post, March 8
China's legislature, judiciary vow high-quality work to drive modernization. China's top legislative and judicial bodies committed to high-quality efforts in 2024 to support the country's modernization. The National People's Congress (NPC), the Supreme People's Court (SPC), and the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) outlined their plans during the annual session, focusing on legal guarantees for national rejuvenation and enhancing legal systems. Significant achievements in legislation, case handling, and national security were highlighted, underpinning the push for modernization. Xinhua, March 8
Red Sea crisis 'a big challenge' for Beijing, says ambassador. The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea represent a significant challenge for China, as stated by the Chinese ambassador to Egypt. The conflict affects international trade, including that of China, despite assurances from the Houthis not to target Chinese ships. China's extensive investments in the region, particularly in Egypt and the Suez Canal, face threats from the ongoing crisis. Zhao Ziwen, South China Morning Post, March 8
China’s South Asia ‘bridgehead’ needs urgent infrastructure boost to aid security, mineral exploration. Infrastructure improvements in electricity and transport within Tibet's Ngari prefecture, a critical area near India, are deemed urgent by Duan Xiangdong, a Chinese political advisor. These enhancements aim to support national security and facilitate mineral exploration, addressing the challenges posed by the region's remote location and harsh conditions. Sylvia Ma, South China Morning Post, March 8
Rural sports events gain attention at annual "two sessions". Grassroots football and basketball tournaments in rural China have sparked nationwide enthusiasm for mass sports, contributing significantly to rural revitalization and economic development. Featuring local athletes from various professions, these events blend sports with cultural exhibitions, drawing tourists and potential collaborators, including from the English Premier League. They exemplify the role of sports in local development and social governance, highlighting their potential for enhancing rural-urban interactions and sustainable development. Xinhua, March 8