Annual Session of China’s Top Advisory Body to Hold March 4–11 in Beijing

By Iyojo Ameh

China’s highest political advisory organ, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, will convene its annual session in Beijing from March 4 to March 11.

Spokesperson Liu Jieyi announced at a press briefing on Tuesday that the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee will open at 3 p.

Role in China’s Political System
The CPPCC is widely regarded as one of China’s most distinctive political institutions. While it does not exercise legislative authority like the National People’s Congress (NPC), it plays a central consultative role within the country’s governance framework.

Operating under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPPCC serves as a platform for multiparty cooperation, political consultation, and consensus-building. It brings together representatives from various sectors of society to advise on major national policies and development strategies.

Historical Background

The CPPCC traces its origins to September 1949, when its First Plenary Session was held shortly before the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At that time, it functioned as an interim legislative body, adopting the Common Program, selecting national symbols, and laying the foundation for the new state.

Following the establishment of the NPC in 1954 as the country’s highest organ of state power, the CPPCC transitioned into its present advisory role. The institution was revitalized during China’s reform era under Deng Xiaoping and has continued to evolve under successive leaderships, including Xi Jinping.

Structure and Composition

The CPPCC operates through a National Committee at the central level, alongside local committees across provinces, prefectures, and counties. The National Committee serves a five-year term and holds a plenary session annually, typically in March, alongside the NPC during what is commonly known as the “Two Sessions.”

The current 14th National Committee consists of 2,169 members and a 324-member Standing Committee. It also oversees about 10 special committees covering areas such as economic affairs, ethnic and religious issues, foreign policy, education, health, culture, science and technology, and environmental protection.

The body is chaired by Wang Huning, a member of the CPC Politburo Standing Committee. He is supported by several vice-chairpersons and a secretary-general.

Broad Representation

The 14th National Committee draws its membership from 34 sectors, including the CPC and eight non-Communist democratic parties, non-affiliated individuals, people’s organizations, ethnic minorities, religious groups, representatives from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, returned overseas Chinese, and professionals from fields such as science, business, agriculture, sports, education, arts, and healthcare.

Members are selected through consultation rather than direct election, reflecting the body’s emphasis on consensus and inclusivity. They include entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, athletes, and community leaders who contribute expertise and grassroots perspectives to national discussions.

Core Functions

Under its charter, the CPPCC performs three primary functions:
Political consultation on major national policies and socio-economic plans before final decisions are made.
Democratic oversight, offering constructive criticism and monitoring policy implementation.

Participation in deliberation and administration of state affairs through research, policy proposals, and thematic consultations.

Each year, members submit thousands of proposals addressing issues ranging from economic reform and environmental sustainability to education, healthcare, and technological innovation.

Relevant government departments review these proposals, many of which inform policy adjustments and legislative priorities.

The upcoming session is expected to focus on key national development goals for 2026, as China continues to advance its governance and modernization agenda.