The third press conference of the 14th National People's Congress was held today, where spokesperson Lou Qinjian answered questions from media representatives regarding the agenda and related issues of the congress. He stated that through the rise of companies like DeepSeek, we can see China's innovation and inclusiveness in Technology development; the essence of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win, and it is hoped that the U.S. side will work together with the Chinese side to find a solution through equal consultation.
On March 4, the 14th National People's Congress held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People, where spokesperson Lou Qinjian answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists regarding the agenda and work of the congress.
The third session of the 14th National People's Congress opened on the morning of March 5, with a duration of 7 days.
Lou Qinjian introduced that the 14th National People's Congress will open on the morning of March 5 and close on the afternoon of March 11, lasting for 7 days and including 3 plenary sessions. The congress agenda consists of seven items.
2,893 representatives have registered for the congress, and all preparatory work is ready.
Lou Qinjian explained that there are 2,929 actual representatives in the 14th National People's Congress, and currently, 2,893 representatives have registered. All preparations for the congress have been completed.
During the 14th National People's Congress, three press conferences will be held.
Lou Qinjian mentioned that during the congress, three press conferences will be held, where the main responsible persons from relevant departments of the State Council will answer reporters' questions on diplomacy, economy, and people's livelihoods. Before each plenary session, a 'Representative Channel' will be arranged to introduce the performance of duties and reflect the voices of the representatives. After the plenary sessions, a 'Minister Channel' will be arranged to interpret policy measures and respond to social concerns.
The legislative work in 2024 has made new progress and achievements.
Liu Qunyan stated that since the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has fully played its leading role in legislative work, focusing on promoting the law system of socialism with Chinese characteristics to keep pace with the times and improve development. Over the past year, 39 legal proposals were reviewed, with 24 passed, including the enactment of 6 laws and the amendment of 14 laws, along with 4 decisions on legal issues and major matters.
The rise of DeepSeek shows China's innovation and inclusiveness.
Liu Qunyan stated that the significant progress made by DeepSeek represents the rise of a group of Chinese companies in the field of AI. DeepSeek adheres to an open-source technical route, and its open-source sharing has promoted the widespread application of AI technology globally, contributing "Chinese wisdom" to the world. Through the rise of companies like DeepSeek, we can see China's innovation and inclusiveness in technological development.
Avoid technology innovation from becoming a game for rich countries and rich people.
Liu Qunyan stated that China legally protects data privacy and security, while opposing the generalization of the National Security Concept and resisting the politicization of economic and technological issues. China put forward the 'Global AI Governance Initiative' to bridge the technological gap and avoid technology innovation from becoming a game for rich countries and rich people. China is willing to work with all countries in the world to continue promoting the healthy development of AI, stimulate global economic growth, and enhance the well-being of people in various countries.
Promote the rapid enactment of the Private Economy Promotion Law.
Liu Qunyan stated that in December last year, the draft of the Private Economy Promotion Law was submitted for initial review by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress by the State Council; it was reviewed again last month. For the first time, the draft incorporates the adherence to 'two unwavering principles' and promotes 'two types of health' into law, elevating the major principles and policy measures by the CPC Central Committee on promoting the development of the private economy to legal norms. This has significant and far-reaching implications for ensuring equal legal use of production factors by various ownership economies, fair market competition, and equal legal protection. The next step will be to carefully revise and improve the draft based on the continued review by the Standing Committee and feedback from various sectors, promoting the law to be enacted as soon as possible.
The essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win.
Lou Qinjian stated that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 46 years ago, the trade volume between China and the U.S. has increased more than 200 times, with a bilateral investment stock of about 250 billion U.S. dollars, which has not only brought tangible benefits to both peoples but also strongly promoted Global economic development. The unilateral tariff increases by the U.S. side violate WTO rules and disrupt the security and stability of the Global Industry Chain supply chain. It is hoped that the U.S. side can work together with the Chinese side to find solutions through equal consultations.
Full of confidence in the prospects of the Chinese economy.
Lou Qinjian stated that currently, the Chinese economy is still facing many difficulties and challenges. However, the foundation of the Chinese economy is stable, it has many advantages, strong resilience, and great potential. The long-term supporting conditions and basic trends for improvement have not changed. The Chinese economy has always grown through the baptism of wind and rain, strengthening through tests.
The issuance related to the 2 trillion yuan Bonds replacement has already started in 2025.
Liu Qinjian said that by the end of last year, the quota for the 2 trillion yuan Bonds replacement in 2024 had been fully issued, and most regions have completed the replacement. The issuance related to the 2 trillion yuan Bonds replacement has already started in 2025. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will strengthen the supervision of government debt management in accordance with relevant legal provisions, especially enhancing the tracking supervision of the implementation of increasing the local government debt limit for replacing existing hidden debts, promoting further strengthening of government debt management.
Next, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will strengthen the supervision of government debt management in accordance with relevant legal provisions, particularly enhancing the tracking supervision of the implementation of increasing the local government debt limit for replacing existing hidden debts, promoting further strengthening of government debt management, actively and prudently preventing and mitigating local government debt risks, accelerating the establishment of a government debt management mechanism that is compatible with high-quality development, and supporting sustainable and healthy economic and social development.
China's defense spending accounts for a proportion of GDP lower than the world average.
Liu Qinjian stated that the defense budget is a part of China's overall national budget. Since 2016, China's defense expenditure has maintained single-digit growth for nine consecutive years, and the proportion of defense spending to GDP has remained within 1.5% for many years, which is lower than the global average.
Hong Kong and Macau have always been important windows for China's opening up, and their role is irreplaceable.
Liu Qinjian introduced that the construction of the South China Greater Bay Area Concept is a major National Security Strategy. The central government has introduced a series of policy measures to fully support Hong Kong and Macau's participation in the South China Greater Bay Area Concept construction. Hong Kong and Macau have always been important windows for China's opening up, with a unique status and significant contributions over more than 40 years of reform and opening up, their role is irreplaceable. The 'hard connection' of the Bay Area infrastructure, the 'soft connection' of rules and mechanisms, and the 'heart connection' of residents from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau are continuously improving. Liu Qinjian stated that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is actively promoting the BAY AREA DEV, and this year will conduct special research to integrate the foundation of one country, the advantages of two systems, and the strengths of the three places for the development of the Bay Area.
Editor/Somer
