What to Watch at China's 2017 National People's Congress

Some 3,000 lawmakers are descending on Beijing for the annual parliamentary pageant known as the National People’s Congress. Last year’s agenda was headlined by China’s five-year development plan. Next year’s gathering will see the formation of a new government. While the 2017 program may not be as momentous -- and is overshadowed by a Communist Party meeting later this year -- there’ll be plenty to follow when the action opens March 5 at the Great Hall of the People. Likely topics include Hong Kong politics, China’s economic outlook, the new U.S. president and the performance of some rising political stars.

The politicking goes on mostly behind the scenes. With a shakeup of the party’s top ranks expected at its congress in October or November, there will be forensic analysis by China-watchers of who-says-what and who-meets-whom. A slew of newly promoted officials, many of whom are President Xi Jinping’s associates, will be scrutinized for their prospects of reaching the innermost circle. Strong contenders for the party’s elite 25-member Politburo include Li Hongzhong (Tianjin’s new party chief) and Chen Quanguo (Xinjiang’s boss).