Policy Brief
From time to time, the attention of the media in the United States and around the world turns to China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), typically around the time the NPC meets in March. The NPC is sometimes described as what it is: a “ceremonial” legislature that functions as“rubber stamp” for the Chinese Communist Party. The Nature Of the NPC and its members, however, is also sometimes misunderstood, or at least not fully explained. The NPC is the highest organ of the state, the national legislature. Delegates are elected by the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government, and by the armed forces. Delegates are elected for a term of five years and the NPC convenes once a year with the session usually running for between 10 and 14 days in March, in conjunction with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC). The membership of the NPC totals almost 3,000 and meeting only briefly each year means that for most delegates, membership is ceremo- nial rather than substantial. For most, it is a sign of recognition or appreciation by the national leadership that they have made contributions to society or that they have particular expertise that is required by the NPC.
Media Release
The Rajawali Foundation at Harvard Kennedy School released, “China’s Most Generous – Examining Trends in Contemporary Chinese Philanthropy”, which provides insights into current trends among China’s major donors and recipients.
Video
Anthony Saich, the director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and Daewoo Professor of International Affairs recently spoke at the China Centre, University of Sydney about President Donald J. Trump and his relationship with China.
This talk, entitled “An Unpredictable President and U.S. China Relations”, provides an initial analysis of how a second Trump administration could influence US-China relations forecasting his approach, and figuring out whether he will adopt the role of a deal-maker or take a more combative stance aimed at undermining rivals.
Saich focuses on three key areas of concern: tariffs, Taiwan, and technology controls.
Media Release
The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia at the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University and the East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore, are delighted to announce a new academic collaboration.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, C. Raja Mohan assesses how India’s national ascent towards global influence faces developmental constraints and maintains that the country must balance ties with China and the United States to harness its economic potential and situate itself as a leader in the Global South. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, Oliver Stuenkel explains how Brazil’s self-perception as a “giant by nature” advances its foreign policy with roots in multi‑alignment. As Brazil strives to balance relationships with both China and the United States and solidify its roles in BRICS and the G20, the country’s autonomy is pressured by great-power rivalry and its regional influence remains limited. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Video
Tony Saich, Director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia, gives an expert interview for the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University on understanding China’s political governance.
