Whole-process democracy in spotlight at two sessions

China's two sessions — the annual meetings of the nation's top legislative and political advisory bodies — have become an icon of a modern model of good governance that contributes to human progress.

Over about nine days, more than 5,000 deputies to the 14th National People's Congress and members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee will have thoroughly reviewed last year's government performances and discussed all major policies of the world's second-largest economy. They also will have discussed strategic priorities of national politics, allocation of social development funds and structural reforms, among other things, and approved plans and projects for the next fiscal year.

As a huge political event that is open, transparent, inclusive, holistic and comprehensive, with major live broadcasts and news briefings, the sessions provide essential input from leaders and policymakers to steer the country on its unique path of modernization for 1.4 billion people, one of the most immense human projects in recent history.

China has been a pioneer of good governance and superior human values. It is interesting to remember that the nation has long pursued socioeconomic development, human respect and nature-friendly policies to maintain qualitative life.

Today, the sessions vividly reflect the Chinese way of rule of law coupled with whole-process people's democracy, and the effective roles of government tied to multiculturalism and promotion of balanced economic growth in China and beyond.

Politically, both the NPC and the CPPCC National Committee are taking practical steps for further consensus on and projection of the guidelines put forth at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October. While over 2,100 political advisers from all sectors of society bring their proposals, about 2,950 NPC deputies bring ideas from the grassroots and medium and upper levels of decision-makers, converging into a sound process of decision-making.

The Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday provided a window into the country's proactive development with Chinese characteristics, with productive and participatory policies and plans that inject hope into global economic recovery.

Due to rapidly changing and conflicting socioeconomic realities, contradictory and preferential geopolitical treatment and geostrategic compulsions, China's two sessions have become an iconic political event.

Moreover, global economic woes, the imposition by some countries of unilateral sanctions, economic and financial constraints and diplomatic tensions have further enhanced the strategic importance of China's two sessions.

By championing China's advancement of modernization with Chinese characteristics, green and high-quality development, a national capacity-building mechanism to fight COVID-19, and further opening up, the two sessions have become a role model of human survival and progress, immense socioeconomic and industrial development, and gradual but peaceful modernization and contribute to global peace, stability and harmony

The GDP growth goal of around 5 percent this year, as revealed in the Government Work Report, indicates that the Chinese economy is on a fast recovery track with increased consumption and expanded manufacturing activity.

The importance of stability that Li emphasized in delivering the report is in line with the Central Economic Work Conference in December, which prioritized pursuing steady progress while ensuring economic stability this year, eyeing overall recovery and improvement that focus on people's well-being.

The stable development of China's economy is expected across the world, and people are counting on more momentum from China. The further boosting of domestic demand, enhancing of technological self-reliance and strength and prevention of major risks can boost confidence across borders.

The policies of green transformation in production and consumption bode well for achieving the nation's low-carbon and net-zero emissions goals in the common pursuit of harmony with nature.

Another priority for China's economic development this year is expanding foreign trade and foreign investment. China's role in global economic organizations and multilateral agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, and its steps to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership all point to a growing connection of continents.

In this regard, the announcement of the continuation of structural reforms would further stimulate economic recovery and market consolidation.

Moreover, Premier Li emphasized that China will continue working to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development and uphold the international order, which stands out among major countries today.

The China-proposed Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the nation's promotion of shared values of humanity, its constant emphasis on peaceful coexistence, and its specific steps in building a human community with a shared future provide valuable bliss for everyone in the world.

The author is executive director of the Center for South Asia& International Studies in Islamabad.