Beijing, 5 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - China's annual session of the National People's Congress opens on Thursday, with Premier Li Qiang set to present the government's annual work report to nearly 2,800 delegates.

The report is expected to outline key policy goals including China’s economic growth target for 2026. Additional documents presented during the session will also disclose figures such as the country’s military budget.

A major focus will be the adoption of China's 15th five-year plan, which sets development targets for the world’s second-largest economy through 2030 under the leadership of the ruling Communist Party.

Draft proposals suggest Beijing will place greater emphasis on achieving technological self-reliance while giving renewed attention to boosting domestic consumption.

During the session in China's top legislative body, President Xi Jinping is expected to meet delegations from individual provinces.

Observers will also be watching for a possible meeting with representatives of the People's Liberation Army, where a number of senior officers and generals have recently disappeared from public view or been removed from their posts.

The congress, which is not directly elected, is expected to approve the five-year plan, the government work report and other legislation on the final day of the session on March 12.

Photo: MIA archive