Ethnic minority members of the National People’s Congress (NPC) take notes during its annual session. The meeting, one of China’s two most important political events of the year — collectively known as the “Two Sessions” — kicked off on Wednesday in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

The Two Sessions both take place in the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital. They are attended by legislators, government officials and businesspeople from across the country. Photo: Xinhua

The sessions typically draw global attention as they offer a glimpse into China’s policy priorities. Photo: Xinhua

At the annual meeting of the NPC on Wednesday, Premier Li Qiang announced that China’s GDP growth target for 2025 remained unchanged at around 5%. Photo: Xinhua

The government work report is typically the centerpiece of the meeting. Lawmakers also review the government’s annual budget and development plan. Photo: Xinhua

The Two Sessions customarily feature a military band performance during the opening sessions. Photo: Xinhua

The meetings typically get a lot of coverage from the news media. Photo: Xinhua