China marked the 70th anniversary of its National People’s Congress (NPC) with a ceremonial meeting where President Xi Jinping emphasized the significance of the people’s congresses as a key pillar of China’s political system. The NPC, first convened in 1954, stands as the country’s highest legislative body, reflecting a move from centralized rule to a governance model that Xi affirms empowers the people.
In his speech, President Xi framed the NPC system as a “great invention” in global political history, crediting it with advancing China’s progress along its socialist path. He stressed that the people’s congresses are uniquely suited to China’s national conditions and serve as a vehicle for Chinese-style modernization, which includes promoting democratic centralism and adherence to the rule of law.
Xi outlined four primary roles for the people’s congresses: strengthening governance at all levels, ensuring the implementation of the Constitution and laws, advancing legislative work, and maintaining oversight over the state. These aspects, he argued, are essential for upholding the country’s governance and safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
While marking this milestone, Xi reiterated the need for the NPC system to continue evolving in line with China’s modernization goals. He emphasized that the system must maintain strong ties to the people and adapt to new legislative challenges, particularly in key, emerging, and foreign-related areas. His vision calls for a continued focus on “whole-process people’s democracy,” aligning the country’s development with the overarching goal of national rejuvenation.
The anniversary event highlighted the NPC’s role in shaping China’s future, with President Xi expressing confidence in the system’s ability to steer the country toward long-term stability and growth through its own distinct political model.
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