China has scrapped the press conference held by its premier following the country’s annual two sessions, marking the end of a decades-old tradition. Analysts say the move will likely increase the level of secrecy surrounding Chinese politics.
The change was revealed on Monday as more than 5,000 carefully picked delegates from across the nation are in Beijing for the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s rubber-stamp legislature, and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) top advisory body. The meetings are collectively known as “two sessions” or “lianghui” in Chinese.
Lou Qinjian, the spokesperson of the NPC, told reporters that the premier would no longer give a press briefing at the end of this year’s meetings. “If there are no special circumstances, no premier’s press conference will be held for the remainder of the current term of the NPC,” Mr. Lou added.
Wang He, a U.S.-based China affairs commentator, said the premier’s press conference reflects a delicate balance of power between the Communist Party’s leader and the state’s premier. As Xi Jinping, the Party’s current boss, has concentrated policymaking under himself and the Party in recent years, there has been a shift in the power dynamic.
In addition, the communist regime’s top leaders rarely interact with the media, Mr. Wang said. When the premier responds to journalists directly at the annual press conference, it provides an opportunity for China observers to see the country’s No. 2 official up close.
Focus on Economy
The highly choreographed NPC meetings will kick off on Tuesday, with all eyes on plans to support growth in the world’s second-largest economy.Li Qiang, who was named premier at last year’s session, will deliver his first “work report” on Tuesday, which is expected to include China’s target for economic growth.
Analysts expect him to unveil moderate stimulus plans to stabilize growth but stop short of bold reforms to fix deep structural imbalances.
Mr. Li may also elaborate more on how the state wants to leverage “new productive forces,” a concept first raised by Xi last September describing steps to promote strategic industries, including artificial intelligence.
China will also announce its defense budget, which has grown at a faster pace than GDP since Xi came to power 11 years ago.
Despite a purge last year of several generals in charge of military procurement, analysts say the military buildup would underscore the emphasis that Xi, as commander-in-chief, puts on national security amid strategic competition with the United States.