China’s National People’s Congress ends its annual session on Thursday.
The parliament, which is not freely elected under the ruling Communist Party, is expected to vote on laws and plans on the last day of the session.
Near-unanimous approval with only a handful of abstentions or votes against is widely expected.
What is special this year is that the almost 2,800 members of parliament will not only vote on the government’s work report, but also on the 15th five-year plan, which sets out the strategy for the economy up to 2030.
Among other priorities, China aims to further reduce its reliance on foreign technology by strengthening domestic research and innovation.
The government has set this year’s growth target for the world’s second-largest economy at 4.5% to 5%, the lowest it has been for decades.
In addition to various work reports, the “Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress” is also up for a vote.
Critics say the legislation could lead to further restrictions on China’s ethnic minorities.