Mainland Leaders Kick Off Plenary Session In Beijing

Mainland leaders are expected to map out the economic course for the country over the next five years, during a key meeting in the capital that started on Monday.

President Xi Jinping and members of the Central Committee, the largest of the ruling Communist Party's decision-making bodies, reportedly began the fifth plenary session behind closed doors.

The meeting is expected to end on Thursday, with the aim of laying out the country’s 14th five-year plan – which is also a blueprint for economic and social development.

The official Xinhua news agency said President Xi delivered a work report at the opening session. He also reportedly explained in a draft document leaders' proposals, as well as future targets for 2035.

Officials are also expected to emphasise development of semi-conductors and other technology at a time when Washington is cutting off access to US technology.

Analysts predict that Beijing's plan is likely to focus on easing dependence on foreign suppliers for strategic products, such as energy and food.

President Xi's ambitious environmental pledge should also be on the agenda, reports suggest.

Revealed last month in a speech to the United Nations, President Xi vowed that the world's largest greenhouse gas polluter will go carbon neutral by 2060.

It's by far the most concrete environmental action announced by Beijing so far, but it is thin on detail.

The five-year plan that the Central Committee drafts will be presented to the country's parliament, the National People's Congress, for formal approval.