Inside China’s Two Sessions: The Signals Political Insiders Are Watching

Mar 10, 2026 - 11:03

China’s annual Two Sessions are usually tightly scripted political theater. But this year, observers noticed a series of unusual moments in Beijing. Security around Tiananmen Square reached extraordinary levels. Snowfall on the opening day forced guards to inspect the ground itself. A “living fossil” Party elder died just hours after the meetings began. Xi Jinping was shown sitting off the main stage — something state media rarely displays. Wang Huning made a puzzling gesture. Premier Li Qiang skipped a politically sensitive line in his speech. And inside the PLA delegation meeting, Xi delivered a pointed warning about loyalty.