China's Xi Jinping calls for calm as challenges mount ahead of annual political meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged senior officials on Wednesday that Beijing should deal with internal and international issues “calmly,” one week before the country’s largest annual political meeting.

Since President Donald Trump entered office, the world’s second largest economy has faced weak internal demand, a lengthy property sector crisis, and the potential of a widening trade war with the United States.

Xi’s remarks came in response to a 2024 work report presented by authorities, which he “earnestly reviewed… and proposed important requirements,” according to state news agency Xinhua.

This year, “we must enhance our political capabilities, calmly respond to challenges brought about by changes in the domestic and international situation (and) adhere to the general key of working to seek progress while maintaining stability,” Xi said, according to Xinhua.

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Xi added that leaders must work to “promote the sustained recovery of the economy, steadily improve people’s living standards and ensure stability in the overall social situation”.

China is set to convene its largest annual political gathering in Beijing next week.

Known as the “Two Sessions”, the event is centred upon plenary sessions of the National People’s Congress and a top political advisory body.

Observers will be closely watching this year’s gathering for signs of more robust policy support for the economy, which has struggled to achieve a full recovery since the Covid pandemic.

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