aThere is a subtle shift in the atmosphere of the capital as numerous delegates from all over China converge in Beijing this week for the annual parliamentary session. While the common people of China may not focus much on their presence at the Great Hall of the People, a modernist structure from the 1950s located near the western edge of Tiananmen Square, the impact of this week’s Conclave can be felt throughout the city.
Security measures have been heightened. Special uniformed personnel have been deployed to secure the bridges in Beijing. Caution is advised against attempting any stunts like Penn Life’s protest on the Sitton Bridge before the 20th Party Congress in 2022.
Virtual Private Networks, used to bypass Internet censorship, are experiencing slower speeds as authorities tighten control over communication with the outside world. The smooth running of the parallel sessions of the “Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference” and the National People’s Congress, often referred to collectively as the two sessions, is crucial for the Communist Party and represents the most significant annual event on the Chinese political calendar.
From the perspective of Beijing, the outside world seems tumultuous. The ongoing exchange of verbal sparring between the US and Ukrainian presidents on TV, as well as the fragile US-backed ceasefire in Gaza, highlight global instability. Meanwhile, China remains relatively shielded from the news, with minimal coverage aside from a few headlines on tariffs.
Despite the recent imposition of tariffs by China on the US, the trade war does not seem to be a major concern for most Chinese citizens. Many, like 18-year-old Wang Zhichen working in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, feel unaffected by the trade tensions. Wang expresses a positive outlook on US-China relations and focuses on his work despite the economic slowdown in the area.
The economic challenges facing China, including falling real estate prices, job scarcity for millennials and Gen-Z workers, and a general sense of economic uncertainty, have led to a term known as “lying flat” or choosing passivity in society. Beijing is aiming to combat this economic nihilism through fiscal stimulus and measures to stabilize economic growth.
As China’s leaders focus on transitioning the economy towards innovation and investment in the tech sector, the recent success of Deepseek, an AI company, has garnered attention. Deepseek’s advancements in AI technology have drawn investors away from US tech stocks and signaled China’s potential to lead in the AI sector.
While Deepseek continues to make waves in the tech industry, Chinese officials are embracing the company’s success and integrating its technology into various platforms. The optimism surrounding China’s technological advancements and economic policies at this week’s two sessions reflects a hopeful future envisioned by Chinese policymakers and leaders.
Additional research by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu
Source: www.theguardian.com
