A chance for China to speak to the world

This year's two sessions will play an important role in helping China communicate its views on globalization to an international audience, according to Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King's College London and director of its Lau China Institute.

He said the fact that this year's two sessions is being held at a time when China is increasingly taking a leadership role in promoting globalization and free trade, while the US is adopting more protectionist measures, will mean it attracts more international focus.

"It will be an opportunity for China to communicate its views to an international audience, who believe what China thinks matters, rather than just to a domestic audience," Brown said.