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China’s National People’s Congress ends its annual session on Thursday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Near-unanimous approval with only a handful of abstentions or votes against is widely expected.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Among other priorities, China aims to further reduce its reliance on foreign technology by strengthening domestic research and innovation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In addition to various work reports, the “Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress” is also up for a vote.<\/p>\n
Critics say the legislation could lead to further restrictions on China\u2019s ethnic minorities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n