THE 14th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, will convene its third annual session in Beijing on March 5, according to a decision adopted by the NPC Standing Committee yesterday. The third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, will also begin in the capital March 4. The schedule was recently decided on by the Chairperson’s Council meeting of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. The two conferences, collectively referred to as the “two sessions,” are China’s biggest annual political event, and usually start in Beijing in early March. National lawmakers and political advisers will gather to review work reports of the Central Government, NPC Standing Committee and judicial authorities. They will also deliberate the country’s crucial economic and social issues, as well as participate in formulating or amending laws and regulations. Except in the election year that occurs every five years when the top leaders are elected, the two sessions normally last 10 to 12 days. The meetings may run 14 to 15 days in election years. (SD-Xinhua) | 