The parliament is set to focus on a litany of economic and security challenges during the weeklong conclave. The first order of business will be Premier Li Qiang's work report, at which he officially unveils the GDP goal. But 12 months later, all focus will be on the dire state of China's economy. And analysts agree that stuck between deep reforms to restart economic growth and efforts to strengthen the state's power, China's policymakers have little room for maneuvering. "It will not help the economy, but could help the party-state weather the storm of economic crisis," said Hung.

Source: Manila Times March 06, 2024 04:23 UTC