Features

Two Sessions, One Xi

Published

7 months ago

2026/03/8

Xi at China’s Two Sessions

Chinese Two Sessions, the most consequential political gatherings in China, have drawn comparatively limited attention this year, overshadowed by escalating military operations in Iran conducted jointly by the United States and Israel following the decapitation of the country’s head of state, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, just weeks after the violent removal of Venezuela’s leadership. Trump’s decapitation projects appear to continue and could extend to Russia and then China, creating one of the most dangerous precedents in modern political history, where, from the American point of view, success or failure remains uncertain.

China appears to be losing, one by one, its most reliable partners, exposing vulnerabilities in Beijing’s global network that have long been suspected but are now increasingly tangible. Amid these international upheavals, Xi Jinping presided over the Two Sessions in Beijing, which had just begun at the time of writing and will continue until 11 March.

The Two Sessions are intended to articulate domestic priorities and strategic intent, yet they unfold against the backdrop of a dramatic purge of the People’s Liberation Army. This purge expelled scores of senior officers, including Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a princeling of revolutionary lineage, whom Xi Jinping once referred to as his “big brother,” as well as Chief of Staff Liu Zhenli and numerous commanders across the army, navy, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force, and People’s Armed Police. Their removal reflects both a tightening of loyalty and a reshaping of the apex of operational command, sending a clear message about the centralization of authority and the party’s supremacy over the military. While official statements emphasized anti-corruption motives, the scale and timing suggest broader aims: compelling absolute loyalty, ensuring the PLA aligns with party directives, and achieving readiness targets ahead of its centenary in 2027.

This concentration of authority carries inherent risks, as vacant senior positions and less experienced replacements could compromise operational effectiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan, where the PLA is expected to secure a “strategic decisive victory”. Taiwan observes these developments with apprehension, interpreting the purges both as a demonstration of Xi’s authority and as an indication of Beijing’s potential assertiveness. In Hong Kong, enforcement under the National Security Law continues to suppress civil and business activity, creating further domestic strain. Overseas, the Belt and Road Initiative faces new uncertainties. The recent Panama ruling, in which a Hong Kong operator lost control of the Panama Canal—a critical artery for global trade—highlights the fragility of China’s overseas infrastructure projects.

Yet AidData at William & Mary University reports that Chinese state institutions have invested in 363 ports worldwide over the past 25 years, totaling US$23.9 billion. Nearly half of this portfolio went to high-income countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Brunei, and Singapore, reflecting an effort to secure trade networks and mitigate East-West supply chain decoupling. Even so, setbacks such as Panama reveal the limits of influence, illustrating that infrastructure alone cannot fully insulate China from geopolitical realities.

In a striking diplomatic flurry coinciding with the Two Sessions, several Western leaders have visited Beijing this year, signaling a shift in geopolitical engagement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a state visit in January, the first by a Canadian leader in nearly a decade, securing agreements to lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil and Chinese electric vehicles, while announcing a “new strategic partnership” that both sides described as realistic and interest-based, acknowledging the need to “take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be” when asked about human rights concerns. Shortly thereafter, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer became the first British prime minister to visit China since 2018, leading a large delegation of business executives and securing commitments to revive a “golden era” of economic dialogue, expand cooperation in finance and manufacturing, and explore visa-free travel arrangements under consideration by Beijing. Most recently, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Beijing with senior industry leaders, aiming to reset Sino-German relations. Merz emphasized dialogue and partnership, while candidly acknowledging competitive pressures, engaging with Chinese counterparts on trade, technology, and multilateral cooperation. But Trump’s ongoing “decapitation” operations in the Middle East and Venezuela may not view these developments favourably, potentially complicating his upcoming visit and creating fresh layers of strategic tension between the US and Beijing.

President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in April amid ongoing trade disputes; while the Supreme Court ruled that many of his broad emergencybased tariffs exceeded presidential authority, his administration responded by imposing new global levies under alternative statutory powers, continuing to maintain high duties on Chinese exports. Trump’s rhetoric continues to be unpredictable, alternating between combative and conciliatory, while US military operations in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime deployments near the South China Sea, apply strategic pressure on Beijing.

A subtle but transformative development noted during this year’s Two Sessions is the repatriation of Chinese experts from Western institutions. Senior scientists, engineers, and economists who trained or worked in the United States, Europe, and Canada are increasingly returning to China, bringing expertise in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. These returnees are pivotal in accelerating China’s technological self-reliance, ensuring that innovation is not merely imported but indigenously adapted and scaled.

In AI specifically, China is now acknowledged as a global leader, with multiple start-ups and state-backed laboratories pioneering applications ranging from logistics optimization to precision defence systems. Some reports, albeit contested, suggest that Chinese-developed technology has been used by Iranian forces to identify targets in Gulf conflicts with minimal civilian casualties.

The Two Sessions have laid out clear economic, social, and technological objectives for 2026. According to the government work report submitted to the legislature, China sets a growth target of 4.5 to 5 per cent for the year, alongside the creation of over 12 million urban jobs. Consumer price growth is projected at around two per cent, the deficit-to-GDP ratio at roughly four per cent, and personal income is expected to rise in step with overall growth. Grain output is targeted at 700 million metric tonnes, and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP are to fall by approximately 3.8 per cent. Policymakers emphasize the expansion of elderly care services and the development of the silver economy in response to an ageing population.

Technological self-reliance is a priority, with accelerated efforts to cultivate domestic science and innovation. Consumer spending will be stimulated through targeted measures, while reforms in foreign investment policy aim to deepen two-way cooperation and ensure national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises. The report further affirms a commitment to a more open economy, particularly in the service sector, alongside a continued focus on cross-Strait peace under the one-China principle and opposition to separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence. Internationally, China pledges to resist hegemonism and uphold fairness, pursuing a foreign policy rooted in independent peace and global partnerships.

The PLA is expected to achieve significant advancements in information warfare, mechanization, and operational projection by 2027. However, the military purge has injected uncertainty into the synchronization of technological upgrades with operational readiness. Vacancies at the highest levels, coupled with less experienced replacements, could impede rapid decision-making in crises, raising questions about the timing and feasibility of Beijing’s more ambitious defence objectives.

China’s global ambitions are further tested by infrastructure setbacks and Belt and Road uncertainties. Despite significant overseas investment in ports and related logistics, the Panama Canal incident highlights the limits of influence. Simultaneously, domestic policy goals—expanding consumer spending, supporting an aging population, and advancing science and technology—reflect an attempt to balance internal development with external projection. The Two Sessions thus serve as a nexus for domestic and international strategy, combining economic planning, military reform, technological advancement, and diplomatic positioning. Still waters run deep.

by Nilantha Ilangamuwa

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

15 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

15 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

15 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.