China's Political Season Kicks Off Amidst US-Iran War, Military Purges, Economic Shift

• China's annual political season began March 4, set against the backdrop of the US-Iran war, extensive military purges, and economic revitalization plans.
• President Xi Jinping, 72, in his third term, attended the CPPCC opening, asserting his unchallenged authority despite recent military shake-ups.
• Extensive purges targeted senior military officials, including Gen Zhang Youxia, first-ranking Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, for corruption and indiscipline.
• The National People's Congress will open, with Premier Li Qiang presenting the government work report and announcing the defense budget.
• The 15th five-year plan aims to reorient the economy towards new productive forces like AI, E-vehicles, and batteries to maintain global dominance.