China's most important political event – the Two Sessions – is underway. It refers to the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

What are the NPC and the CPPCC?

The NPC is China's top legislature. It supervises the government and judicial system and determines major state issues. The NPC also appoints and supervises the president, the chief justice and the chief prosecutor.

The CPPCC is not a state organ but a top political advisory body. It facilitates the country's multiparty cooperation and political consultation mechanism, led by the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Who are the NPC deputies and CPPCC members?

NPC deputies are lawmakers. They are elected by the People's Congresses in provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the central government. The armed forces select their own deputies. Election of deputies from the Hong Kong and Macao special administration regions and the Taiwan region follow separate rules.

CPPCC members come from various walks of life and ethnic groups in China. They are selected through consultation and recommendations. The body has some star power, including actor Jackie Chan and former NBA star Yao Ming.

Not all representatives of the NPC and CPPCC are the CPC members. Some are from non-CPC parties or have no party affiliation.

What do the representatives do during the Two Sessions?

As lawmakers, NPC deputies can submit suggestions which are legally binding once adopted. Meanwhile CPPCC members can put forward nonbinding proposals on major political and social issues.

If you want to know more about the Two Sessions, you can take a quiz and learn more with CGTN's AI Panda Xiaomo.

Reporter: Guo Meiping

Cameraman: Ding Zhiyang

Video editor: Ding Zhiyang

Cover image designer: Feng Yuan

Chief editor: Lin Dongwei

Producer: Chen Ran

Executive producer: Si Nan

Supervisor: Zhang Shilei