The just concluded lianghui, or two sessions, of China—the Second Session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and the Second Session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee—are important to understand new policy initiatives of the country.

The NPC has primary legislative responsibility under China's Constitution to approve policies, laws, the budget, and significant state personnel changes. Conversely, as the name implies, the CPPCC's primary responsibility is to provide political consultation and democratic supervision. During the past decade, both lawmaking and consultation have been enhanced through an increase in the number of delegates as well as the rise of social media.

Combined, the lianghui is a mechanism by which both the focus and tone of legislative policy initiatives are set in China. In 2014, this is done primarily by Premier Li Keqiang's government work report that was delivered at the beginning of the NPC.