China's NPC Concludes: Approves New Laws, Defense Budget, Controversial Ethnic Mandate

• China's Parliament (NPC) concluded its annual session, approving a new five-year plan and an enhanced defense budget.
• A controversial ethnic law was passed, making Mandarin compulsory for minorities like Tibetans and Uyghurs.
• The new five-year plan shifts focus to technological breakthroughs, AI integration, semiconductors, and 6G communications.
• GDP target lowered to 4.5-5% due to global crises, US tariffs, and domestic economic challenges.
• President Xi Jinping called for military loyalty amidst purges; China avoided direct intervention in the US-Iran conflict.