China’s Two Sessions 2025: A Blueprint for Progress and Pakistan-China Cooperation
KARACHI: In a significant engagement with Pakistani media, Yang Yundong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, provided an in-depth briefing on Friday on the key takeaways from China’s recently concluded Two Sessions. Held during the sacred month of Ramazan, the event underscored China’s commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation with Pakistan.
The Two Sessions refer to the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), both of which play a crucial role in shaping China’s governance and policy direction. These gatherings bring together representatives from across China to discuss economic policies, legislative amendments, and social development plans. Established in 1959, the system has remained a pillar of China’s governance for over six decades.
The NPC, China’s highest legislative body, drafts laws and oversees major national policies. Its representatives are selected through a structured electoral process from the grassroots to the national level. Meanwhile, the CPPCC functions as a consultative body that includes members from different political parties, independent figures, and professionals across various sectors, such as culture, science, and technology. Together, these institutions embody China’s whole-process democracy, ensuring policymaking remains inclusive and responsive to national needs.
A key theme of the discussions was China’s economic resilience. The government’s work report revealed that China achieved a 5% GDP growth in 2024, maintaining its status as one of the fastest-growing economies. With a per capita GDP exceeding USD 13,000, China contributed approximately 30% to global economic expansion. Notable achievements included record-breaking grain production of over 700 million tons and a significant boom in the new energy vehicle industry, which produced over 13 million units.
Looking ahead, China has set a 5% GDP growth target for 2025. Despite external challenges and domestic economic adjustments, the leadership remains confident in achieving these goals through robust economic policies, high-quality development, and technological innovation.
Advancements in Technology and Innovation: China’s commitment to strengthening its technological capabilities was another major highlight. President Xi Jinping emphasized the integration of scientific and industrial innovation as a cornerstone of economic transformation.
• In 2024, the high-tech manufacturing sector grew by 8.9%, while the equipment manufacturing industry saw a 7.7% increase.
• Investments in research and development reached 3.6 trillion RMB, leading to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and quantum technology.
• Notable achievements included the emergence of China’s AI model “DeepSeek” and the global success of the animated film Nezha 2, showcasing China’s rising influence in technology and creative industries.
In 2025, China aims to enhance its self-reliance in science and technology by furthering digital transformation, promoting industrial innovation, and modernizing traditional manufacturing sectors.
People-Centric Development: Employment, Education & Welfare: China’s modernization strategy remains people-centric, focusing on employment, education, and social welfare.
• In 2024, the urban unemployment rate was maintained at a low 5.1%, with over 33 million individuals from poverty-stricken backgrounds securing jobs.
• National scholarships supported over 34 million students, while social assistance programs were expanded to aid vulnerable populations.
For 2025, the government has pledged to:
• Create over 12 million new urban jobs.
• Increase financial allocations for public welfare programs.
• Launch large-scale vocational training initiatives.
• Continue efforts in urbanization and rural revitalization to ensure balanced development across regions.
China’s Global Engagement and Multilateral Cooperation: The Two Sessions also highlighted China’s growing global engagement. Over 100 countries have expressed support for China’s “Three Major Global Initiatives,” while more than three-quarters of the world’s nations are now part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Notably, for the first time in 2024, trade between China and BRI partner countries accounted for over 50% of China’s total foreign trade.
Looking forward, China remains committed to an independent and peaceful foreign policy while opposing hegemonism and protectionism. The country aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promote mutual benefits, and play a constructive role in addressing global challenges.
As Pakistan and China mark key milestones — the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan this year and the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 — bilateral relations are poised for further growth.
Consul General Yang Yundong reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. He emphasized the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a cornerstone of shared prosperity, calling for its expansion and modernization.
“The successful conclusion of the Two Sessions signifies China’s unwavering commitment to high-quality development and international cooperation. We look forward to working closely with our Pakistani friends to create a brighter future together,” said the Consul General.
The briefing reinforced that Chinese modernization is not just a path to national rejuvenation but also a model that offers valuable insights for developing nations, including Pakistan. Through peaceful development and win-win cooperation, China aims to create new opportunities for global progress.
As both nations navigate the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, the enduring China-Pakistan friendship continues to serve as a beacon of regional stability and shared prosperity. The session was attended by prominent media professionals from Karachi and Chinese envoys.
