Join the discussion: Trump’s Speech vs. China’s Two Sessions

Two major events just happened this month. One is China’s Two Sessions (lianghui), and the other is Trump’s speech to Congress.

The links between these two events and their implications are hard to miss. It seems that we can’t find a better topic to discuss.

To introduce the two events briefly:

• China’s Two Sessions (2025)

Refer to the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which began on March 4 and March 5, 2025, respectively, in Beijing. These gatherings are pivotal in shaping China’s political and economic agenda for the year. The NPC, China’s top legislature, approves key policies, budgets, and economic targets, such as the 2025 GDP growth goal of around 5%, as outlined in Premier Li Qiang’s Government Work Report delivered on March 5. The CPPCC, a political advisory body, provides recommendations. This year’s sessions are notable as they mark the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan and occur amid domestic economic challenges (e.g., deflation, property sector woes) and external pressures, including escalating trade tensions with the United States.

• Trump’s Speech to Congress (2025)

On March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress, his first major address since taking office for his second term. It outlined his administration’s priorities, focusing heavily on economic policies like tariffs (including a recent doubling of tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%), and national security. The speech was partisan, emphasizing achievements from his first six weeks and reinforcing his "America First" agenda.

The timing and content of these two events showed that we are in a connected world! For example, trade war escalation, economic strategies, tech rivalry, and more. All present themselves as wonderful discussion topics.

Let me throw in a few open ended questions:

• How do you think Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese goods will affect China’s 5% GDP growth target for 2025, as outlined in the Two Sessions? Will China’s focus on self-sufficiency be enough to offset this pressure?
• China’s Two Sessions emphasized globalization and stability, while Trump’s speech pushed America First. Which approach do you believe will resonate more with other nations in shaping the global order this year?
• Trump doubled tariffs on China, and China vowed to “fight till the end.” Do you see this escalating into a full-blown economic war, or will both sides find a way to de-escalate? Why?
• With China highlighting AI and tech innovation during the Two Sessions and Trump focusing on curbing China’s tech rise, which country do you think will gain the upper hand in the tech race by the end of 2025?
• How do you think the average citizen in the U.S. and China perceives these events—Trump’s speech and the Two Sessions? Are these seen as bold leadership moves?

What do you think?

If you have interesting ideas about these questions or others, and also love a chance to practice speaking about them in Mandarin, this is your chance.

Details about this session is below:

Topic: Trump’s Speech vs. China’s Two Sessions

• 1:00 PM - 2:30PM, April 25, 2025 (HK time)
• Online
• HKD300 per person (Maximum 6 participants)

Register before April 22, 2025. 

Use this Google form to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO4UA-zDF9kmJdMHenLDlFgrCIHU1JWL1o4-IT885EYko9GQ/viewform 

*** ***

More about this course:

“What Is Your Opinion” is a platform for high level Chinese language learners to share their views and thoughts on a wide range of events which are shaping our world, and of course, to practice speaking Mandarin as well.

This course is a natural extension for students who have completed the Mandarin Express series (or equivalent) and would like to have a platform to further their study by engaging in topical discussions.

It’s best for students who are interested in world events, including but not solely about events which China’s stances influence the outcome.

Read more about this course here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=241&catid=11 

If you’d like to see a list of all Chinese courses on offer, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons 

If you’d like to check out all upcoming group classes, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=93&catid=11