What are the key takeaways from China’s Two Sessions, and what’s being discussed at the Boao Forum on Hainan Island?

China recently concluded one of its most important political events of the year, known as the “Two Sessions,” where politicians from around the country voted on the appointment of new officials and changes to China’s government structure.

President Xi was re-elected to a second term as president. Wang Qishan, a close ally of Xi in his anti-corruption campaign, became China’s new vice president. Delegates also voted to remove term limits for both of these positions. New ministries were created in areas such as veteran’s affairs and natural resources, and other ministries dissolved. A new watchdog agency known as the National Supervisory Commission was created with wide-ranging powers to investigate state officials and public sector employees. The government also announced an 8.1 percent rise in military spending and a GDP growth target of 6.5 percent for 2018.

With these reforms and targets in place, Chinese officials are heading off to the first of four major diplomatic events China is hosting this year. The Boao Forum, held on the island of Hainan, China, is an annual international conference on Asian development. The themes of this year’s forum are innovation, an open Asia, and shared global prosperity. China-watchers will pay close attention to see how the plans laid out at the Two Sessions will be reflected at this year's Boao Forum. Stay tuned.