China Political Memo: March 4, 2011

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress — China's political advisory body and national legislature, which meet back-to-back every year — are convening in Beijing on March 3 and March 5. This is a time of growing concern for Beijing, following rising threats to social stability highlighted by the recent "Jasmine" gatherings. These demonstrations have drawn attention to public dissatisfaction and the negative side effects of the country's rapid economic growth. The Communist Party of China will use the two sessions to address ways to alleviate social problems, but the remedies it proposes will create a new set of challenges.