How is the CPC National Congress different from the Two Sessions?

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The CPC National Congress and the Two Sessions are key events on China’s political calendar.

Both are held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. But what’s the difference between the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the CPC National Congress? And where does the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) fit in?

CPC National Congress

The CPC National Congress is a gathering held every five years in autumn.

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It sets the direction of development for the Party and the country, electing the CPC’s new leadership, reviewing political theory, and making decisions on important issues, such as amending the Party Constitution.

The CPC National Congress also provides political guidance for the next Two Sessions.

So what are the Two Sessions?

The Two Sessions refer to annual political meetings of the NPC – the country’s highest organ of state power - and the CPPCC – the country’s top political advisory body.

Journalists queue at the Great Hall of the People before the opening of the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, China, March 3, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

The National People’s Congress is China’s legislature, whose nearly 3,000 members meet for two weeks in March every year. During the meeting, deputies submit motions, pass laws, and vote on government work reports and state organ personnel as well as national budgets.

The CPPCC is made up of representatives from various political parties and organizations, and holds an annual meeting that typically runs concurrently with the National People’s Congress. CPPCC members put forward advice and suggestions on issues discussed by the NPC. The NPC and the CPPCC make up the Two Sessions.

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