The fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2021. Photo: Xinhua

The 2021 two sessions take place at a critical juncture of China's history. One hundred years after the establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1921 and only a few days after the declaration of a phased victory against absolute poverty, the country lays the foundations for its future development. China's development is being shaped by domestic decisions. But its domestic decisions reflect China's determination to respond to external shocks characterizing the globalized environment and choices of other countries. 

China's governance model enables the country to count on long-term economic programs which are being patiently carried out. The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) is expected to shed light into the dual circulation growth model. 

Previous speeches given by President Xi Jinping, for example, the one in the Shanghai International Import Exhibition in November 2020, articulate a policy that will accelerate the reform and opening-up process by adding emphasis on innovation. The purpose is to combine engagement with foreign markets via trade while unleashing the domestic potential through higher demand. 

The Chinese government is working toward self-sufficiency in sectors where China lags behind. It seeks to build resilience for the post-COVID-19 world order. Beijing will reduce dependencies on and better position itself in the regional and global supply chains. The pandemic lessons are being carefully studied along with the reasons about the deterioration of China-US relations during Donald Trump's presidency.

The eradication of absolute poverty is internationally acknowledged. China managed to deliver its promise despite the disruption caused by COVID-19 last year. But the success itself will be undermined if some citizens fall under the poverty line again. The continuation of the pandemic in parallel with other risks, such as climate change insecurity, cannot be ignored. The 2021 two sessions will possibly elaborate on the way China could draw on its achievements, in order not only to preserve it, but also to improve living conditions for citizens with low incomes.  

In recent years, China's per capita disposable income has witnessed an increase. Although the way ahead for the creation of a modern prosperous society is difficult, the effort has already begun. The two sessions can give new impetus to the discussion about practical measures addressing imbalances. The use of new technologies in green agriculture constitutes an example. Sustainable development solutions guarantee a type of growth that is based on quality rather than quantity. The country's commitment to become carbon free by 2060 and its interest in fostering a green evolution contradict previous methods that had prioritized numbers, often double-digit ones. 

The 2021 two sessions will outline China's return to normalcy. But they do not signal the end of the fight against COVID-19 as long as new strains of the virus are being detected. Lockdowns, massive tests and prevention controls have produced results. The work needs to be accompanied by ramping up vaccinations. 

That being said, Beijing wants to join forces with other countries to promote the desired global immunity. The recent mutual understanding on common challenges showcased by disease experts Zhong Nanshan and Anthony Fauci during their participation in a virtual conference is certainly positive. Among other things, this year's two sessions are organized less than 12 months before the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games that will follow the Tokyo Summer Olympics to be held in July. China can offer hope to international spectators and potentials travelers - and together with Japan lead the chorus of the Olympic spirit.  

The author is a lecturer at the European Institute in Nice, France. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn