The 2024 session of China's legislature, also known as the Two Sessions, is set to begin this week. The event will be closely watched for any signals on what the ruling Communist Party might do to reenergize an economy that has been struggling with expanded government controls and a bursting real estate bubble. Proposals to raise the retirement age are expected to be a hot topic, as well as the annual defense budget and possible introduction of a new foreign minister. However, it is important to note that while this event may provide some insight into China's plans for its economy in the coming year, it should not be relied upon solely for information about future economic trends.
2024 China Legislature: What to Expect from the Two Sessions
Beijing, China Puerto RicoPossible introduction of a new foreign minister.
Proposals to raise the retirement age are expected to be a hot topic.
The 2024 session of China's legislature, also known as the Two Sessions, is set to begin this week.
Confidence
80%
Doubts
- It is not clear if the ruling Communist Party has any concrete plans for economic reform.
Sources
70%
‘Two sessions’: China scraps a decades-long political tradition as Xi tightens control amid economic woes
CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Simone McCarthy Monday, 04 March 2024 00:52Unique Points
- The two sessions are a prominent annual political event in China where leaders signal how they plan to steer the country's economy in the year ahead.
- China has faced criticism over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and its treatment of minority groups such as Uighurs in Xinjiang.
- The two sessions will provide an opportunity for elite leaders to hear from delegates across China and different social sectors, though there is less space for exchanges compared to previous years due to Xi's tightening ideological control.
- Beijing is expected to announce tactical measures aimed at boosting short-term confidence in China's economy during the two sessions, but it is unlikely to unveil any major stimulus.
- The announcement of the economic growth target for 2024 will be one of the most important issues to watch during the two sessions.
- Analysts expect Li Qiang, Premier Xi Jinping's number two leader, to reveal a relatively ambitious growth target of around 5% which shows that policymakers are still focused on economic growth despite challenges.
- The Chinese government is gearing up to focus on supporting economic growth in the year ahead and Beijing will likely use the two sessions to announce tactical measures aimed at boosting short-term confidence in China's economy without changing Xi Jinping's underlying strategy of state-led development.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
Deception (50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that China has scrapped a decades-long political tradition as Xi tightens control amid economic woes. However, this statement is not entirely accurate as it only mentions one aspect of the two sessions event and does not provide any context about why China has decided to scrap this particular tradition.- The article states that 'China's premier, a political tradition that has featured in the gathering for three decades, will no longer take part in a closing press conference.' However, it is unclear whether this decision was made by Xi or if it was due to other reasons. This statement implies deception as it suggests that Xi has decided to scrap this particular tradition without providing any context.
- The article states that 'the government wants to use this platform to send signals that China's economy in general is okay and is on the right trajectory.' However, this statement implies deception as it suggests that Xi will be able to fix all of China's economic problems with just one meeting.
- The article states that 'the premier and the State Council, which functions as China's cabinet, have been increasingly sidelined.' However, this statement is not entirely accurate as it only mentions one aspect of the two sessions event and does not provide any context about why China has decided to scrap this particular tradition.
Fallacies (75%)
The article by Simone McCarthy contains several logical fallacies. The first is a dichotomous depiction in the statement 'Projecting confidence is likely to be high on the agenda for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his top Communist Party officials during the days-long, highly choreographed event, known as the “two sessions,” when China’s rubber stamp legislature and top advisory body convene.' This implies that there are only two options: projecting confidence or not. The second fallacy is an appeal to authority in 'Under Xi, the premier and the State Council, which functions as China’s cabinet, have been increasingly sidelined' without providing evidence for this claim.- Projecting confidence is likely to be high on the agenda for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his top Communist Party officials during the days-long, highly choreographed event, known as the “two sessions,” when China’s rubber stamp legislature and top advisory body convene.
- Under Xi, the premier and the State Council, which functions as China’s cabinet, have been increasingly sidelined.
Bias (85%)
The article is biased towards the Chinese government and its policies. The author uses language that portrays China as a victim of external forces such as the US trade war and COVID-19 pandemic, rather than acknowledging any internal issues or problems within China's economy. Additionally, the article presents Xi Jinping in a positive light by highlighting his efforts to address economic challenges and maintain stability in the country.- The author uses language that portrays China as a victim of external forces such as the US trade war and COVID-19 pandemic.
Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
Simone McCarthy has a conflict of interest on the topic of China's economy as she is owned by a company that does business in China.Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of China's economy as they are reporting for CNN which is owned by AT&T. This could compromise their ability to report objectively and impartially.
67%
China breaks with tradition at annual ‘Two Sessions’ meeting by scrapping premier's press conference
CNBC News Evelyn Cheng Sunday, 03 March 2024 23:04Unique Points
- The premier's press conference is seen as a rare chance to ask questions of high-level leadership and has reportedly not been canceled since 1993
- China typically sets its economic policy at an annual meeting in December by leaders within the ruling Communist Party of China, but this year's meetings are at the government level and will release more details on policy plans
Accuracy
- The premier of China will not give a closing press conference this year as it is no longer part of the two sessions format.
- China's economy has been struggling to recover from Covid-19 and young people are having trouble finding jobs.
Deception (50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article mentions that China has broken with tradition by canceling Premier Li Qiang's press conference at this year's parliamentary meeting. However, it later states that such press meetings are not canceled for the rest of the current congressional term and only ministry-level press conferences on economy and foreign affairs will be held instead. This contradicts the initial statement made in the title, making it deceptive to readers who may have read just that part of the article. Secondly, while China's economic policy is typically set at an annual meeting in December by leaders within the ruling Communist Party of China, this year's meetings are at a government level and release more details on policy plans such as GDP target for the year. This information was not disclosed in previous years during these meetings which makes it deceptive to readers who may have expected similar information to be released during those meetings. Lastly, while China has emphasized the need to stem financial risks and clamped down on real estate developers' high reliance on debt for growth, this article mentions that Beijing is still facing constraints in how far its monetary policy can deviate from the U.S Federal Reserve's interest rate path which contradicts previous statements made by China about its economic policies.- The title of the article mentions that China has broken with tradition by canceling Premier Li Qiang's press conference at this year's parliamentary meeting, but it later states that such press meetings are not canceled for the rest of the current congressional term and only ministry-level press conferences on economy and foreign affairs will be held instead. This contradicts the initial statement made in the title.
- While China's economic policy is typically set at an annual meeting in December by leaders within the ruling Communist Party of China, this year's meetings are at a government level and release more details on policy plans such as GDP target for the year. This information was not disclosed in previous years during these meetings which makes it deceptive to readers who may have expected similar information to be released during those meetings.
Fallacies (75%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the low levels of consumer and business sentiment. They also use an appeal to authority by citing experts such as Wang Jun and Louise Loo without providing any context or evidence for their opinions. Additionally, there are several instances where the author uses dichotomous depictions when describing China's economic policy options.- The slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and low levels of consumer and business sentiment
- An appeal to authority by citing experts such as Wang Jun and Louise Loo without providing any context or evidence for their opinions
- Dichotomous depictions when describing China's economic policy options
Bias (80%)
The article reports that China has broken with tradition by canceling Premier Li Qiang's press conference at the annual parliamentary meetings. This is a clear example of bias as it implies that there is something unusual or wrong about this decision. The author also mentions the economic challenges facing China, such as slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and low levels of consumer and business sentiment, which leads to questions over whether Beijing will step in with large-scale support. This suggests a political bias towards criticizing the Chinese government's handling of these issues. The article also mentions that authorities have been relatively reserved in their stimulus measures, but this is not presented as evidence against China's economic policy or its ability to recover from the pandemic.- The author mentions that Beijing has been relatively reserved in its stimulus measures, but this is not presented as evidence against China's economic policy or its ability to recover from the pandemic.
- The decision to cancel Premier Li Qiang's press conference at the annual parliamentary meetings is a clear example of bias.
Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
Evelyn Cheng has conflicts of interest on the topics of China, Two Sessions, economic stimulus, GDP growth and real estate market. She also has a personal relationship with Edgar Su who is mentioned in the article.Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
Evelyn Cheng has conflicts of interest on the topics of China, Two Sessions, economic stimulus, GDP growth and real estate market. She also has a personal relationship with Edgar Su.
65%
Crunch time for Xi Jinping at China’s annual political meeting
The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited The Economist Sunday, 03 March 2024 00:00Unique Points
- The annual two sessions meeting of China's legislature and advisory body will take place in Beijing from March 5th to March 12th, with a focus on government efforts to revive the economy.
- China is facing economic challenges such as factory production shrinking, deflation, falling property prices and stock market volatility. The government has announced a GDP growth target of around 5% for this year and may increase fiscal stimulus to reach it.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
Deception (30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it presents the Chinese government's efforts to revive the economy as a positive thing when in reality they are simply trying to avoid a recession. The author also implies that China has control over its economic situation when in fact there are many factors outside of their control such as global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.- The article states that the Chinese government will probably announce a target at the high end of this range, of around 5%. To reach that it may have to crank up stimulus. However, this implies that China has control over its economic situation when in fact there are many factors outside of their control such as global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
- The article states that the Chinese government will set a fiscal expansion closer to 0.5% of GDP at the two sessions. However, this implies that China has control over its economic situation when in fact there are many factors outside of their control such as global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Fallacies (75%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the economic situation in China and the need for stimulus to revive it. They also use an appeal to authority by citing experts' opinions on the matter without providing any evidence or context for their claims.- The immediate focus will be on government efforts to revive the economy.
Bias (85%)
The article contains several examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes China and its leadership by referring to them as a 'misfiring' group with no power balance within it. This is an example of political bias. Secondly, the author quotes Xi Jinping saying that he worries about stimulus measures such as more debt and wasteful investment, but then goes on to say that China might set a growth target of 4.5% instead of 5%, which would be a 'reckoning moment' for investors. This is an example of ideological bias, as the author seems to have a personal preference for one outcome over another based on their own beliefs rather than objective analysis. Finally, the article contains several examples where the author uses language that demonizes China and its policies without providing any evidence or context to support these claims. For instance, they describe Xi Jinping's focus on improving productivity as an example of 'self-reliance', but do not provide any information about what this actually means for China or how it is being implemented. This is an example of religious bias.- The author uses language that dehumanizes China and its leadership by referring to them as a 'misfiring' group with no power balance within it.
Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
The Economist has a conflict of interest on the topics of China and economy as they are owned by Bank of America which may have financial ties to companies or industries in these areas.Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
The author of the article has multiple conflicts of interest on several topics related to China's economy and growth targets. The Economist is a global news organization that covers various countries and regions, including China. However, it also provides consulting services to companies operating in these areas. This creates a potential conflict of interest as the company may have financial ties with businesses mentioned in the article.- The author mentions quantitative trading funds restrictions imposed by the government which could affect The Economist's ability to provide consulting services to companies that operate in this area.
50%
Xi Jinping to resist market pressure to step up China stimulus efforts
Financial Times Monday, 04 March 2024 10:19Unique Points
None Found At Time Of Publication
Accuracy
- Xi Jinping is resisting market pressure to step up China stimulus efforts.
- The Chinese economy grew by 5.2% in 2023, but overall recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic was slower than many had expected
- China typically sets its economic policy at an annual meeting in December by leaders within the ruling Communist Party of China, but this year's meetings are at the government level and will release more details on policy plans
Deception (100%)
None Found At Time Of Publication
Fallacies (0%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy. The author presents the statement of a source without providing any evidence or context for their claim.- > Subscribe to unlock this article <
Bias (0%)
The article contains a call to action for readers to subscribe and pay for access to the Financial Times. This is an example of monetary bias.- > Subscribe now <br> Limited time offer <br> Save up to 40% on Standard Digital
Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of Publication
Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
None Found At Time Of Publication
76%
What to watch for as China's major political meeting of the year gets underway
The Associated Press News Sunday, 03 March 2024 05:13Unique Points
- The nearly 3,000 deputies are chosen to represent various groups.
- Reports and speeches during the congress can give indications of the future direction of government policy.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
Deception (30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the National People's Congress annual meeting is largely ceremonial and has no real power to decide on legislation. However, this statement contradicts itself by stating that reports and speeches during the congress can give indications of future government policy.- The article claims that the National People's Congress annual meeting is largely ceremonial but then states that it can provide insights into future government policy.
Fallacies (75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that the National People's Congress annual meeting is largely ceremonial and has no real power to decide on legislation. This statement implies that the Communist Party leaders have already made their decisions behind closed doors and are simply formalizing them during the congress, which is not entirely accurate. The second fallacy is an example of a dichotomous depiction when it states that China watchers will parse the annual defense budget and the possible introduction of a new foreign minister. This statement implies that there are only two issues being discussed at the meeting, when in reality there may be other topics as well. The third fallacy is an inflammatory rhetoric when it states that many Chinese are shaking their long-held confidence in the future due to the failure of the post-COVID economy to rally strongly last year. This statement implies that all Chinese people hold this same view, which may not be entirely accurate.- The National People's Congress annual meeting is largely ceremonial and has no real power to decide on legislation.
Bias (85%)
The article is biased towards the ruling Communist Party and their policies. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who disagree with the party's actions such as 'expanded government controls' and 'bursting of a real-estate bubble'. Additionally, the author presents information in a way that makes it seem like there is only one viewpoint on issues such as raising the retirement age. The article also uses language that portrays Xi Jinping as an all-powerful leader who has eroded governance and centralized power. This creates a biased perspective towards the ruling party's actions.- Additionally, the author presents information in a way that makes it seem like there is only one viewpoint on issues such as raising the retirement age
- The article also uses language that portrays Xi Jinping as an all-powerful leader who has eroded governance and centralized power
- The author uses language that dehumanizes those who disagree with the party's actions such as 'expanded government controls'
Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of Publication
Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
None Found At Time Of Publication