Explainer: what is China's 'two sessions' gathering, and why does it matter?

China's annual "two sessions" meetings begin on Saturday, with major reforms and government appointments expected, as well as the final formalisation of Xi Jinping's precedent-busting third term as China's leader. What is the 'two sessions'? The event is called the "two sessions" because both the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) hold their annual meetings separately, but at the same time. The CPPCC is an advisory body, and the 3,000-member NPC is the CCP's legislative body, but is largely a "rubber stamping" parliament. Its members include business executives, celebrities, and celebrated individuals - state…