China's Political Stability in the Face of U.S. Policy Fluctuations
Whereas erstwhile U.S. President Donald Trump is laying down comprehensive changes in American government and foreign policy, China's President Xi Jinping is creating a dramatically contrasting tone. China's Two Sessions (or Lianghui) annual conference, a grandly orchestrated event in Beijing, serves to underscore China's commitment to political stability, economic progress, and global leadership—a sharp contrast with the unpredictability of U.S. policies.
While Trump is focusing on protectionism, economic nationalism, and realignment of foreign relationships, China is attempting to project an image of stability, technological superiority, and resilience against external pressures.
What Are China's 'Two Sessions'?
The Two Sessions are the simultaneous meetings of:
- The National People's Congress (NPC) – China's top legislative body, which grants its rubber-stamp approval to key policies and economic goals.
- The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – Advisory body that reviews social and economic policy.
2025 sessions will be closely observed for significant policy signals in the face of heightening tensions between the US and China, economic woes, and China's quest to gain technological independence. (source)
China's Economic Growth Target for 2025
Premier Li Qiang will announce China's economic growth target at around 5%, a moderate but ambitious policy in a time of uncertainty for the global economy.
With sluggish consumer spending, a weakening property market, and supply chain disruption globally, Beijing will unveil policies to support domestic industries, high-tech investment, and infrastructure construction. (source)
Military Spending and Geopolitical Policy
One of the highlights of the 2025 Two Sessions is China's rising defense budget. Historically, Beijing has raised military spending at a faster rate than its GDP growth.
With heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, heightened U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, and disputed South China Sea territorial boundaries, there are projections China will officially announce the record increased defense expenditure to strengthen its space, cyber, and naval warfare abilities. (source)
China's Reaction to U.S. Trade Policies
Trump's return to politics has sent shivers of a trade war between the U.S. and China. The U.S. has raised Chinese tariffs to higher levels, 10% to 20%, recently.
In retaliation, China has:
- Slapped 10%-15% tariffs on crucial American goods, such as agricultural products and technology products.
- Filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against a U.S. increase in tariffs.
- Set plans to boost local semiconductor and AI innovation to reduce reliance on American tech giants. (source)
AI, Technology, and the Future of China's Innovation
China's leaders have made AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure top priorities as part of its strategy to challenge U.S. technological dominance.
As Chinese AI companies such as DeepSeek gain global recognition, Beijing is doubling down on policies that:
- Boost funding of AI startups and deep learning research.
- Encourage domestic production of semiconductors in order to fight U.S. export controls.
- woo foreign investment in green technologies, electric vehicles, and 6G. (source)
Global Diplomacy: China's Alternative to the Western Model
Xi Jinping has deployed the Two Sessions pragmatically as a means to set China's "political stability" against the **"chaos of Western democracies.
Through diplomatic channels like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and alliances with Global South nations, Beijing is to make itself a world leader in trade, infrastructure investment, and financial cooperation. (source)
Conclusion: China's Controlled Narrative vs. U.S. Uncertainty
While the U.S. sees another period of Trumpian uncertain policy, China's Two Sessions are to:
✅ Assert project stability and confidence in its leadership.
✅ Highlight China's economic resilience against global adversity.
✅ Declare technological and military ambitions on the international stage.
✅ Counter U.S. influence with strategic diplomacy and trade blocs.
With heightening U.S.-China tensions, the outcome of these meetings will decide the next decade of global power dynamics.
Sources & Further Reading:
Five Things to Watch for at China's Most Important Political Meeting
Xi to Highlight Chaos in the West While Outlining China's Strategy
China's Two Sessions 2025: What to Expect