China: what are Beijing’s goals for the first year after the end of “zero covid”?

China set its economic and political goals for the first year after the end of politics at the country’s main annual political event this Sunday. “zero covid”in which emphasis is placed on stability as the cornerstone of recovery.

Outgoing Prime Minister Li Keqiang laid out the country’s annual roadmap in his government management report, which he read in the huge Great Hall of the People located in Tiananmen Square during the opening session of the Council. National People’s Assembly (ANP, Legislative), the main annual political conference of the country.

Stability, “important”

Li has announced an economic growth target of “about 5%” this year in the Asian giant, a target that is in line with what analysts predicted and in line with the line set last year of 5 to 5.5%, though finally China It rose 3% after severely restricting its zero-covid policy in the face of the worst waves of infections.

“This year, it is important to prioritize economic stability and the pursuit of growth,” Li said, recalling that “the foundations for sustainable growth (still) need to be strengthened.”

The consumer price index (CPI) growth target was capped at around 3%, the same pace as for 2022 when it finally increased by 2%.

7.2% increase in defense spending

The Asian nation will increase its defense spending by 7.2% this year to 1.53 trillion yuan ($224,384 million, €210,685 million) after the item rose 7.1% in 2022.

Li cited the conflict with Taiwan and warned that China would “resolutely” fight against Taiwanese “independence,” after a year in which then-US Legislative Assembly President Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island raised inner-circle tensions to an unprecedented high in recent years.

Beyond referring to the “turbulent international situation,” Li did not mention the war in Ukraine, about which Beijing recently issued a statement calling for respect for the sovereignty of all countries and a ceasefire, a proposal the West has criticized for squaring to the aggressor and the attacked.

Quarantine and barriers for correspondents

Since the pandemic is “not over”, China Now he must ensure that his administration is “more efficient and scientific,” said Li, whose words mark another step in the dismantling of the “zero covid” policy, which began in December after almost three years of restrictions.

Despite the change in strategy, the conclave is still held in compliance with anti-COVID measures: participants, except for the most senior leaders, wear masks, and journalists the day before had to undergo a PCR test and undergo quarantine at a hotel indicated by the organization, as in the legislative assemblies of recent years and XX congress Communist Party of China (PDA) in October last year.

Likewise, numerous correspondents from Western countries were not allowed to attend the inauguration, despite having accreditation.

The situation contrasts with the presence of dozens of whistleblowers who came from other countries specifically to cover the event and who came to China at the invitation of the authorities and in some cases with all expenses paid, in contrast.

Strict security measures

The meeting, which will end on March 13, began amid heavy pollution in Beijingunlike years past, when high-level political meetings were synonymous with blue skies in the Chinese capital.

Yes, there is a constant strong police presence in Tiananmen Square and the streets adjacent to it, to which this time a legion of guards on the bridges of Beijing is added as a result of the fact that in October last year, during the XX Congress CPCa man hung several posters on a road bridge criticizing the “zero covid” policy and calling for free elections, after which he was arrested.

In 2018, the PNA approved a constitutional amendment that removed the limit of two consecutive terms of five years each for Chinese presidents, a decision that would allow Xi Jinpingwho was appointed by the President in 2013 to extend his term in this political conclave.

Last October, Xi confirmed his position as general secretary of the CPC for a third term, unprecedented among his immediate predecessors.

During the PNA meeting, MPs are also expected to approve Xi’s appointment as head of the armed forces, thereby extending the president’s control over the three branches of government: state, party and army. (EFE)