China’s rubber-stamp parliament opens its annual session on Tuesday as President Xi Jinping faces growing concerns about the slowing economy, a major challenge to the country’s pre-eminent leader.

One year after the legislature abolished presidential term limits and etched Xi’s name on the constitution, his “new era” vision of a resurgent China at the centre of world affairs has hit unforeseen road bumps.

Economic growth is slowing, a festering trade war with the United States has eroded confidence and Xi’s signature Belt and Road global trade infrastructure initiative has faced setbacks in some countries.

Bubbles of discontent have appeared as the state has pushed deeper into the economy and people’s lives. “This will be a much more difficult situation for Xi Jinping than last year. Last year he was riding high,” said Hong Kong-based political analyst Willy Lam.