WITH China’s economic growth slowing for a sixth year in 2016 to a 26-year low, the world is watching as the government prepares to announce this year’s growth target at the annual session of China’s top legislature.

    The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body, and the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, will convene their annual sessions Friday and Sunday, respectively, known as the national “two sessions.”

    As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s GDP growth rate is always highlighted during the two sessions. The country reported 6.7-percent GDP growth in 2016, the lowest level in nearly three decades, but likely to top all other major economies.

    China has aimed for average annual growth of more than 6.5 percent from 2016 to 2020.

    “Seeking progress while maintaining stability” will be the main theme for China, according to a statement issued after the Central Economic Work Conference, during which Chinese leaders and senior officials gathered to map out priorities for 2017.

    At the upcoming sessions, the NPC deputies and political advisers will discuss State policies essential to the development goals set by the Central Government, as well as Xi Jinping’s thoughts on governance. Xi’s role as the core of the CPC Central Committee is expected to be stressed at the sessions.

    As 2017 is a crucial year for the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), hot topics will include macro-economic development, supply-side structural reform, the RMB exchange rate, and China’s stock and real estate markets.

    The sessions are expected to discuss and approve a national development framework with some new elements.

    This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Information on China’s defense budget will be released during the two sessions.

    NPC deputies will review the draft general provisions of civil law of China. The general provisions will be guiding principles of the civil law and of great significance for protecting civil rights.

    The two sessions are also eyed as a platform for preparation for the 19th National Congress of the CPC. To be held later this year, the congress will elect new Party leadership and draw a blueprint for the future socialist construction cause, which is vital to realizing the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020.(Xinhua)