THE plenary sessions of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress, popularly known as the “two sessions,” are the focus of attention this week. What will be the big talking points? Here is a list of 26 hot topics.

Anti-corruption

The Chinese government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach in fighting corruption since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012.

China’s top anti-graft watchdog said this year it would net more “tigers” and “flies” — corrupt government officials at both higher and lower levels — and combat graft in state-owned enterprises.

Breakup of monopolies

Although China has eased market access in many industries and started SOE reforms in a bid to mobilize private investment and break monopolies, there is still much to do to achieve fair competition. Experts believe the private sector will reap more fruit this year.

Checks in power

In the past two years, the central government has prioritized the task of cutting red tape and delegating power to lower-level governments.

Altogether, 798 administrative approval items have been canceled or delegated to local governments. The move has curbed corruption and stimulated entrepreneurship. More progress can be expected in the area.

Democracy

In February, the CPC Central Committee published a document proposing to promote “consultative democracy.”

Consultative democracy — defined as a democratic pattern in which, led by the CPC, all sections of society are consulted on major issues before and during policy-making processes — helps Chinese people take part in the country’s governance and makes sure that diverse voices can be heard and consensus can be reached.

Engines

Last winter, Premier Li Keqiang put forward the “two engines” concept while in Davos. The goal was “to transform the traditional engine of growth by focusing on increasing the supply of public goods and services” and “to foster a new engine of growth by encouraging mass entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Four Comprehensives

CPC mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, has carried a series of editorials prior to the annual legislative session, expounding the concept of the “Four Comprehensives,” first raised by President Xi Jinping in December.

The concept includes building a moderately prosperous society, deepening reform, advancing the rule of law and strictly governing the Party. The concept is drawing attention from home and abroad and is expected to be the main theme of the legislative session.

FTZ

A year and a half after the launch of the pioneering Shanghai FTZ, similar FTZs in Guangdong, Fujian and Tianjin have been approved and may launch very soon.

Experts say they are not simple copies of the Shanghai FTZ, but more regionally integrated, targeted and differentiated in their functions.

GDP

At the opening meeting of the NPC session tomorrow, Premier Li will reveal this year’s GDP target. It is the subject of much anticipation at home and abroad. Most Chinese provinces lowered 2015 GDP targets at local legislative sessions.

Hong Kong

2014 was an eventful year for Hong Kong. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program kicked off trading. Guangdong and Hong Kong liberalized their service trade and the Guangdong free trade zone (FTZ) was approved.

Meanwhile, the illegal “occupy” protest movement negatively impacted Hong Kong’s development and reform to its political system, according to Chinese leaders. Differences of opinion between people from the mainland and Hong Kong have surged.

Innovation

Innovation is an engine to development and reform starts the engine. As the economy enters a “new normal” and growth slows, China’s economy will rely more on innovation to drive growth.

Jobs

The number of jobs forecast to be created this year will be revealed at the annual legislative session. In the past two years, despite an economic slowdown, the number of newly created jobs has increased steadily.

China is promoting employment by encouraging business start-ups, cutting red tape and delegating power to lower-level governments.

Key policies

China’s fiscal and monetary policies in 2015 under the circumstances of slowed economic growth are the key focus of the two sessions.

Law

2015 has been defined by leaders as “the first year of comprehensively promoting the rule of law.” The two sessions are expected to address legal and judicial aspects in detail: for example, a bill to amend the Legislation Law.

Military

China’s military expenditure will definitely become one of the most-discussed topics during the two sessions in Western media.

The question China faces is how to build and manage a stronger army in new conditions.

New normal

“New normal” became a buzzword last year and it will be the first time the term has been used at the two sessions since it became a guideline for Chinese leaders in economic policy-making.

Opening up

China became a net foreign investor for the first time in 2014. However, foreign capital still plays a vital role in the Chinese economy, especially in improving the quality and efficiency of growth and in driving innovation.

China will further open up its service sector this year, guided by experience distilled from the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

Pollution

Premier Li made powerful remarks at the parliamentary sessions last year, calling for a “decisive battle” against pollution. A poll has showed that pollution control and environmental protection remain one of the biggest areas of public concern ahead of the two sessions.

Quality

China will not pursue statistical growth at all costs, but rather try to strike a balance where industrial transformation and a rational growth rate can be achieved.

The country is embarking on a development path characterized by efficiency, quality and sustainability.

Reform

This year has been defined by the top leadership as a crucial period for deepening reform. In which fields will these reforms take place? The government work report will give the answer.

Silk Road

It is widely expected that more tangible achievements will be made in the “Belt and Road” networks of Asian trade infrastructure proposed by President Xi in 2013.

At their local legislative sessions, Chinese provinces were very excited about the prospects for the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Tibet

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The central government’s policies on governing Tibet will attract attention from reporters home and abroad.

United States

President Xi is scheduled to pay a state visit to the United States in September. Last year, China and the US reached consensus in aspects including visa arrangements, trade and military trust. The two sides also released the landmark China-US Joint Announcement on Climate Change.

Reporters will try to get some hints on how China and the US will rise above their differences.

Values

Authorities believe that moral and ethical education should run through reforms, with the core socialist values of harmony, integrity and fairness being cultivated.

World

Given China’s fast development and closer ties with other nations, the world cares ever more about Chinese views and attitudes. Attention will be given to a series of regional and worldwide issues at the two sessions.

Xi Jinping

President Xi’s schedule will be closely watched. International and domestic media are wondering what he will say when discussing state affairs with national lawmakers and political advisors.

Year

2015 marks the final year of China’s 12th Five-Year Plan, and will also usher in the 13th Five-Year Plan toward the end of the year.

The two sessions come at a crucial period of time.