What Is 2018 National People's Congress

Overview

The 2018 National People's Congress (NPC) was a pivotal political event in China, held from March 5 to March 20 in Beijing. As the highest state body and legislative house, the NPC convenes annually to review major policy decisions, legal reforms, and leadership appointments.

This session was particularly significant due to sweeping constitutional changes and government restructuring. The meeting brought together over 2,970 delegates from across China’s provinces, autonomous regions, and special administrative regions, reflecting broad national representation.

• Term limits for the President and Vice President were officially removed through a constitutional amendment, enabling Xi Jinping to serve beyond two terms.
• The amendment passed with 2,958 votes in favor, two against, and three abstentions, demonstrating near-unanimous support among delegates.
• Xi Jinping was unanimously re-elected President on March 18, 2018, while Li Zhanshu became Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.
• The State Council underwent major restructuring, merging or reorganizing ministries including the creation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Emergency Management.
• The Supervisory Commission was formally established as a new national anti-corruption body, enhancing the Chinese Communist Party’s oversight mechanisms.

How It Works

The National People's Congress functions as China’s top legislative authority, though it typically ratifies decisions made by the Chinese Communist Party leadership. The 2018 session followed a tightly scheduled agenda focused on constitutional reform and institutional restructuring.

• Term: The constitutional amendment eliminated the two-term limit for the President and Vice President, a change effective immediately. This allows leaders to serve beyond ten years, altering China’s political succession norms.
• Delegates are elected indirectly by local people's congresses at the provincial level, with representation weighted by region and ethnic group.
• The NPC meets annually for about two weeks, during which major laws, budgets, and leadership appointments are confirmed.
• Amendments require a two-thirds majority of all delegates present, making the 2018 constitutional change a significant procedural milestone.
• The NPC Standing Committee handles legislative work between sessions, issuing interpretations and overseeing implementation of laws.
• Agendas are set by the Communist Party leadership, with proposals often drafted months in advance by internal policy groups.

Comparison at a Glance

Compared to previous NPC sessions, the 2018 meeting introduced unprecedented constitutional and structural changes. The table below highlights key differences:

The 2018 reforms marked a shift toward centralized leadership and institutionalized anti-corruption efforts. Unlike the 2013 session, which focused on economic reform, the 2018 NPC prioritized political consolidation and long-term governance stability, reflecting Xi Jinping’s vision of a 'strong leadership' model.

Why It Matters

The 2018 NPC reshaped China’s political landscape, setting precedents for leadership continuity and governance structure. Its decisions have lasting implications for domestic policy, rule of law, and international perceptions of China’s political system.

• The removal of term limits centralized power within the presidency, reducing institutional checks on executive authority.
• The new Supervisory Commission now oversees 90 million party members, expanding anti-graft reach beyond previous mechanisms.
• Government restructuring improved inter-ministerial coordination, particularly in environmental protection and emergency response.
• The constitutional change signaled long-term policy continuity, reassuring markets about stability in infrastructure and foreign investment plans.
• International observers viewed the reforms as a move toward 'personalized rule', raising concerns about democratic norms and succession planning.
• The NPC’s role as a rubber-stamp body was reinforced, with no public dissent during the vote on constitutional amendments.

Overall, the 2018 National People's Congress marked a turning point in China’s governance, emphasizing stability, anti-corruption, and centralized leadership under Xi Jinping’s tenure. Its outcomes continue to influence policy and political dynamics in China today.