The 21st session of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee concluded in Beijing on February 26, 2026, marking significant developments in China’s legislative agenda. Presided over by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, the closing meeting witnessed substantial personnel decisions and procedural approvals ahead of the upcoming full NPC session.
In a notable administrative reshuffle, legislators voted to remove Wang Xiangxi from his position as Minister of Emergency Management and dismissed Liu Shaoyun from his role as President of the Military Court of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. These decisions were part of several personnel-related bills approved during the session.
The committee endorsed in principle the draft work report of the NPC Standing Committee, with the Council of Chairpersons recommending that Chairman Zhao deliver this report at the impending fourth session of the 14th NPC. Additionally, lawmakers ratified the draft agenda for the full NPC session and the proposed list of the session’s presidium and secretary-general, which will undergo further review during the preparatory meeting.
Chairman Zhao emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming annual session, which will deliberate on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and consider major legislative documents including the environmental code, legislation promoting ethnic unity and progress, and national development planning laws. Zhao urged committee members to maintain focus on the central priorities of the Communist Party of China and the nation while fulfilling their statutory responsibilities with heightened accountability.
The session also featured a special lecture for lawmakers following a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons, further preparing legislators for the significant agenda items facing the full NPC session.