Tea greases the wheels of Chinese politics

Tea serves as the main social lubricant at the annual session of China's parliament, allowing the nearly 3,000 hand-picked delegates in attendance an opportunity to sit, chat, and network.

With most of the body's legislative work handled by its standing committee, the full gathering of the National People's Congress is primarily a social occasion, allowing the communist leadership to set out its priorities for the year and rally delegates behind them.

Tea has deep roots in Chinese society, praised for improving health and vigor. Its caffeine injection is particularly in demand at the congress, much of which is devoted to listening to lengthy speeches delivered by the premier and other leading officials that sum up the previous year's business and lay out goals for the coming 12 months. Delegates then break out into small groups where they take turns endorsing the words of their leaders, always with a hot mug of tea at their elbow.

Thermoses and boilers for hot water to make tea have long been ubiquitous in Chinese offices, schools and housing blocks, but may be on the wane as China's booming economy provides an ever-growing number of beverage choices aimed at young consumers. However, with China's leaders steadfastly rejecting reforms to the political system, tea will likely remain a major element of the political pageantry surrounding the annual legislative session.