China’s annual Two Sessions are underway, but it comes at a pivotal moment, with rising global tensions in the Middle East and fresh economic signals from Beijing.

This year, China has set its lowest growth target since 1991, underscoring concerns about slowing momentum and shifting economic priorities.

What does this more cautious outlook reveal about the state of the economy? And how much do external risks — from geopolitical conflict to US-China relations ahead of Donald Trump’s expected visit — factor into Beijing’s calculations?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Han-Shen Lin, Associate Professor of Practice in Finance and Capstone Director at NYU Shanghai, and Senior Advisor and China Country Director at The Asia Group, to find out more.