For keen observers of Chinese politics and developments, March is one of the most critical times. This time too, Chinese deputies of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature,and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body, assembled in Beijing to discuss China's future development. 

This year's sessions came at a time when the Chinese society is passing through significant economic and social changes and challenges. With China now being one of the global powerhouses, this year's lianghui - literally meaning two sessions ­- attracted observers from all parts of the world keen to grasp the development in the nation and the future outlook. The Chinese authorities use the sessions not only to highlight the achievements of the past year but also to indicate the future direction of public policies. 

Close observers 

Given the long-term cooperation between China and Africa, African nations have always been close observers of the development in China. The relationship between China and Africa has grown to a level where whatever happens on one side has a great impact on the other. Because of the deepening cooperation, the announcements during the two sessions were crucial for Africans to understand the future direction of Chinese policy.  

They were also important for African governments to reflect on their own policies and possibly make the necessary adjustments. This is especially important if African countries want to further benefit from their cooperation with China.  

The sessions were also a very important platform providing an insight into the actions Chinese leaders are taking to manage the economy that has recently taken a slowing path. The slowdown coupled with issues such as pollution have been highlighted by the Western media and has had an influence on African observers.  

The lianghuisucceeded in allaying fears, especially among Africans who had started to believe that the Chinese economy was headed for a hard landing. The Chinese leadership emphasized that the economic restructuring is meant to achieve long-term sustainability and stability of the Chinese economy, which is also key to the long-term stability of the global economy.  

Though in the short term some countries are suffering from reduced Chinese exports, the long-term prospects will lead to more benefits than the current path, which most scholars have characterized as unsustainable. This was reflected in Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's response when Zambian journalist Mwzipeza Sakala Chanda asked him about Chinese investments in Africa in the wake of the economic slowdown.  

Wang said: "China is committed to them." The answer highlights the fact that the cooperation path between China and Africa remains promising. 

Offering insights 

The lianghui also offered insights into the policy formulation process within the Chinese system. Given that Africa and China share similar socio-economic problems, Africans could learn a lot from the different policies. From housing problems to public transport and education financing, Chinese leaders offered various policy responses to the problems.  

For Africans who face similar problems, it is an opportunity to deliberate on these policies and whether some could be adopted in some African economies, possibly with some modifications.  

All in all, if there is a message conveyed during the two sessions, it is that economic growth in China is still on a stable trajectory. Any path to economic prosperity is always fraught with challenges but the Chinese authorities are aware of these challenges and steps are being taken to address them. 

Africa still stands to benefit from the brotherly relationship with China. After all, a more prosperous and economically sustainable China is desirable for everyone. 

(The author is a Ph.D.candidate at the School of International Studies, Peking University)