What is the NPC?

The National People's Congress is the highest organ of State power and the top legislative body in China. It is responsible for supervising government and judicial authorities, and for determining major State issues, including elections and appointments.

Only the NPC has the power to amend the Constitution. If a law is closely related to people's basic interests and fundamental national issues, it needs to be reviewed by all NPC members instead of being adopted just by the NPC Standing Committee.

According to the Constitution, the NPC Standing Committee is responsible for organizing the process of electing deputies, and NPC deputies, who serve a term of five years, are given the right to submit motions and suggestions.

The NPC, in general, convenes its annual session in Beijing in early March. This year, the second annual session of the 14th NPC is set to kick off on March 5.

About 3,000 national lawmakers will travel to Beijing to discuss the country's crucial economic and political issues, and to share their ideas regarding the formulation or revision of laws related to people's interests and social development.