Politics

The National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp parliament, opened its annual session. The outgoing prime minister, Li Keqiang, kicked things off by announcing an economic growth target of “around 5%” in 2023, lower than many external forecasts. Xi Jinping blamed Western countries led by America for trying to suppress China. The congress is expected to approve a set of reforms that will give Mr Xi more direct control over government bodies. It will also confirm him for a norm-busting third term as president.