Economics
As Xi Portrays Calm, Tensions Mount Ahead of Leadership Shuffle
- Smooth annual legislative gathering would underscore stability
- President wants no surprises ahead of upcoming party reshuffle
What Are China's Priorities at NPC?
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As 3,000 lawmakers from across China descend on Beijing for an annual meeting of the world’s largest legislature, President Xi Jinping needs to portray a united front ahead of a leadership reshuffle later this year.
Looming over the annual National People’s Congress that kicks off Sunday is the twice-a-decade Communist Party conclave that may see almost half of China’s most senior leaders replaced. The legislative meeting can provide a window into political tensions behind the scenes: Before the last big reshuffle five years ago, the NPC foreshadowed the downfall of a potential Xi rival who was later jailed for life.