CGTN survey: key topics to watch during China's Two Sessions

According to analysts, the current international situation is undergoing the most profound transformation since the end of the Second World War. As a result, two fundamental questions are increasingly being raised in the global debate: what is happening to the world and how China will respond to it. This year's Two Sessions, an important window for understanding the country's politics, is therefore attracting significant international attention.

On the eve of these meetings, CGTN Television, in collaboration with Tsinghua University's Institute of International Communication, published Report on the main topics 2026. The document identifies ten major global themes and ten China-related themes that can help answer questions about the current evolution of the world order.

The report states that the current transformation of the international system is characterised by an „acceleration of slow variables“, with long-term and structural trends becoming more pronounced. Moreover, competition for rules and differences in approaches to global governance are intensifying alongside rapid technological progress. The focus of public debate is thus shifting from the question of „whether something works“ to „whether it can be controlled and who decides“.

On China-related issues, international attention is focused mainly on the structural transformation of the economy. Foreign observers are watching how the country is pursuing „stability-based progress“ while promoting innovation in the context of high-quality development. Much interest is focused on new reforms or the regulation of digital platforms and technologies, for example.

Security and geopolitics among major global issues

The report identifies ten key international themes, including regional conflicts and global security issues, the social impact of populism in the West, the development of generative artificial intelligence and regulatory competition, the resilience of healthcare systems, the climate crisis and the increasing frequency of extreme weather, digital currencies and the risks of financial technology, disputes over water resources, food security, the migration crisis, and the growing importance of countries in the global South.

According to the report, the global security environment will remain highly volatile. Security vacuums may emerge in regions with weak governance structures and great power rivalries may intensify in other areas. At the same time, countries in the Global South will take a more active role in reshaping international rules.

Another important factor is the populist trends in Western countries. The strengthening of far-right parties and changes in political systems can significantly influence the development of the international order.

Technological competition, particularly in the area of generative artificial intelligence, will continue to intensify, according to the report. Restrictive US measures in some key technology segments may continue, while the results of China's regulatory framework will gradually become apparent. At the same time, growing block cooperation between major powers could accelerate the fragmentation of the global AI landscape and increase the risk of technological decoupling.

The development of global health systems will also play an important role. These are set to gradually move from a „crisis response“ model to building long-term resilience. Population health is increasingly integrated into the concept of collective security and will continue to grow in importance in global policy and public debate.

According to the report, climate risks are increasingly clearly perceived as a long-term constraint on economic development. They can also intensify pressure in the areas of energy, food security and social stability.

Economic resilience and technological development in focus

The report also identifies ten key themes related to China. These include the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the initiative to increase grain production capacity by 50 million tonnes, breakthroughs in key technologies, the transformation of local public finance and a new model for real estate sector development, risk management under the national security strategy, the development of the Digital China project and the unified national data market, new forms of employment, the Healthy China initiative, and changes in the family, fertility and elderly care systems.

According to the report's authors, 2026 will be important not only because of the start of the new five-year plan, but also because of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The concepts and results of China's modernisation may therefore become one of the main topics of international attention.

The comprehensive implementation of an innovation-driven development strategy and the promotion of new productive forces are intended to provide a stable and long-term impetus for healthy economic growth. At the same time, deepening reforms and further opening up of the economy, as well as building a single national market that is efficient, standardised, fair and open, are expected.

Economic resilience and the so-called dual circulation strategy will also be among the long-standing themes of the public debate. This includes technological innovation, modernising production, supporting domestic demand, further opening up the economy, developing free trade zones and strengthening regional cooperation and relations with emerging markets.

CMG