A Global Benchmark and Signal for the Caucasus: China’s ‘Two Sessions’ 2025

The National People's Congress (NPC) and the People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), collectively referred to as 'Two Sessions', have emerged as a global benchmark, offering a comprehensive overview of recent economic developments worldwide and shaping the future trajectory of the Chinese economy. This has significant ramifications for the global economy. Notably, the 'Two Sessions' provided insights into China's strategic responses to global economic trends, technological advancements, and global security concerns.
Statements made at the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and China's NPCSC emphasised the strategic line of China, in adherence to the principles of multilateralism and openness, opposing the fragmentation of the world order and guiding the international community towards cooperation.
It is evident that China is currently experiencing a significant period of development in the context of global transformations precipitated by the emergence of a novel global monetary system, accompanied by numerous geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The convening of the 'two sessions' provided a valuable opportunity for China's senior leadership to articulate the objectives and aspirations of the nation's political, economic, and international agenda, along with its commitment to further enhancing openness.
In his capacity as Chinese Premier, Li Qiang presented a government work report at the National People's Congress, in which he set out a goal of achieving economic growth of approximately 5 per cent in 2025. He went on to state that, notwithstanding external challenges, the Chinese economy remains resilient and continues to play a key role in global economic growth. With significant market potential, technological leadership and active participation in international cooperation, China continues to support globalisation and inclusive development, creating stability and opportunities in a changing environment. The statements proclaimed a number of achievements that have been made for 2024 by China, and China's economic resilience is borne out by real indicators. In 2024, despite mounting external pressures, the country has achieved its growth target of 5 per cent. As the government work report observes, the long-term outlook for the Chinese economy remains sound, supported by a domestic market of 1.4 billion people, an advanced industrial base, and a focus on innovation and infrastructure development. The Chinese high-speed rail network, with a length of more than 45,000 kilometres, accounts for over 70 per cent of the total length of such roads in the world, connecting cities, boosting consumption and strengthening regional trade. The development of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, comprising over 4.5 million 5G base stations, has further consolidated China's position in the high-tech sector.
As demonstrated by the deployment of a robot to perform a traditional Yanko dance at a gala concert during the 2025 Spring Festival celebrations, China has made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence. In terms of trade, China continues to occupy the position of the largest partner of more than 140 countries, contributing to over 30 per cent of global economic growth. In 2024, the country's exports exhibited robust growth, particularly in the domains of industrial goods and clean technology. Notably, the top three export categories – electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels – collectively attained a value exceeding 1 trillion yuan in 2023. By the close of 2024, China had attained a global market share of 70.4% in the new energy vehicle sector, 79.8% in the lithium-ion battery sector, and an overwhelming 85% in the photovoltaic systems sector, thereby solidifying its preeminence in these domains.
The tourism sector also exhibited robust growth, with the number of foreign tourists surging by 150% year-on-year during the 2025 Spring Festival festivities. This surge can be attributed to the facilitation of visas and the implementation of marketing campaigns targeting key markets in Southeast Asia and Europe. The demographic profile of China is pivotal to the nation's economic sustainability. In 2024, the country will witness the entry of over 13 million university graduates into the workforce, thereby contributing to the advancement of domains such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other promising sectors. The 'Two Sessions' reaffirmed China's commitment to its policy of openness, despite significant changes in the international arena. The Chinese government has stated its commitment to trade liberalisation and investment cooperation, emphasising that its domestic market offers mutual opportunities for partners worldwide. The expansion of visa-free travel for citizens of more than 40 countries and tariff reductions under trade agreements have contributed to increased international exchanges. A notable development was the decision to allow foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, a move that was seen as a significant step in the country's economic openness.
The role of private entrepreneurs in this process has been recognised as being crucial, particularly in facilitating innovation and exports. The government's support, including the provision of tax incentives and access to finance, has been identified as a key factor in creating a favourable environment for their activities.
Furthermore, the internationalisation of the renminbi is gaining speed, enabling it to compete with the US dollar in international settlements. The utilisation of RMB within the framework of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative has been identified as a means of reducing reliance on the dollar and strengthening China's position in the global financial system. In the face of mounting protectionist sentiments, China maintains its commitment to multilateralism and inclusive development, as evidenced by the Two Sessions. The country's endeavours within the UN, WTO and G20 are aimed at fostering fair global governance.
The One Belt, One Road Initiative (BRI), which encompasses over 150 countries, places emphasis on the advancement of clean technology and digital inclusivity. The concepts of 'new productive forces' and 'dual circulation' reflect China's pursuit of innovative development and a balanced interaction between domestic market and foreign economic activities.
In response to US trade barriers, China is expanding cooperation with ASEAN, the European Union and emerging markets. The country's environmental policy is also showing progress: in 2024, 87.2 per cent of days have high air quality, confirming China's commitment to sustainable development.
In this context, China is undertaking measures to build an economy centred on inclusive development and international partnerships, with infrastructure development, human capital and technological advances contributing to its integration into the global economy.

A Global Benchmark and Signal for the Caucasus: China's 'Two Sessions' 2025
The People's Republic of China has been broadcasting its commitment to technological sovereignty and its readiness for global transformation. For the countries of the Caucasus, including Georgia and Azerbaijan, this signals new opportunities in the framework of the 'Belt and Road' initiative, policy convergence and investment attraction. This year's 'two sessions' are of particular significance due to several circumstances. Firstly, the results of the work of China's key government agencies determine the strategic directions of the country's development for the coming year. Notably, the Chinese government has maintained its GDP target at 5 per cent, and to this end, it is implementing a range of measures; launching state investment projects; launching state investment programmes and issuing bonds; supporting the real sector and consumption; and stimulating domestic demand. Secondly, this year marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. Accordingly, from next year, the 15th Five-Year Plan will be inaugurated in China. As stated in the report of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the primary task this year is to establish the foundation for sustainable and high-quality growth under a novel development pattern that combines domestic development and openness.
In addition, China continues to consolidate its position on the global stage. Firstly, the Chinese authorities have confirmed their commitment to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, a strategic programme focused on the construction of infrastructure and the strengthening of trade ties with international partners, including the countries of the Caucasus, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The documents of the 'two sessions' underscore the importance of transport interconnectivity and logistics, suggesting a potential expansion of the role of the Caucasus as a pivotal connection between China and Europe. The Chinese leadership has expressed its commitment to the creation of a sophisticated, internationally oriented business environment, underpinned by market principles and the rule of law, with the aim of attracting international capital and technology. As part of this strategy to enhance international collaboration, China is expected to advocate the concept of a community of shared destiny for humanity and proactively engage in global initiatives to address common challenges.
The Chinese approach and plans to develop advanced technologies are noteworthy. Notably, the focus on artificial intelligence, bio-industry, quantum technologies, 6G and artificial intelligence is evident. Concurrently, there is an acknowledged change in China's approach to technological transformation, marked by a transition from artificial intelligence to quantum technology and bioengineering.
The March meetings in China provide food for thought and guidance for action, and Azerbaijan and Georgia, for whom China is of strategic importance, are closely following developments in China itself, as well as monitoring Beijing's future plans. The decisions taken in China will undoubtedly affect bilateral trade and plans of the two countries, as well as the future plans of the entire Caucasus region. According to the EDB, by the end of the first half of 2024, the Caucasus had received 47 per cent of all Chinese investments in the Eurasian region. In this regard, Georgia and Azerbaijan have been increasingly active in pairing strategies with the PRC, building logistics and production chains. Given China's stated support for the private sector and open market, countries in the Caucasus region may gain access to new financing channels and markets.
The 2025 'two sessions' indicate China's ambition to assume a systemically important role in the global economy, presenting both opportunities and the necessity for a carefully considered strategy for the Caucasus. The PRC has expressed its willingness to act as a stabilising force for countries in the Global South, including the Caucasus. It is imperative that both Georgia and Azerbaijan participate in this process in a strategic and deliberate manner, rather than passively.

Elbrus Mammadov

SR-CENTER.INFO