Two Sessions: China says it's open for business - do we buy it? - BBC News

China's pushed duelling narratives of openness and control at the National People's Congress.

5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Premier Li Qiang - right, with President Xi Jinping - will not be giving this year's closing speechBy Tessa WongBBC NewsAs China's annual parliamentary sitting came to a close after a hectic week of meetings, a glaring void loomed on Monday's final agenda.

The National People's Congress is usually capped off by the premier's press conference. But this year, and for the rest of the term, the tradition was mysteriously nixed.

Officials said there was no need for it given there were other opportunities for journalists to ask questions. But many observers saw it as another sign of consolidation and control, in what became a running theme for the congress, even as top officials preached openness.

The cancellation of the press conference - for the first time in 30 years - effectively diminishes Premier Li Qiang's profile. Though the event was scripted, it was a rare chance for foreign journalists to ask questions and gave the country's second-in-command some room to flex his muscles.

In years past, it even yielded some unexpected moments. In 2020 then-premier Li Keqiang disclosed figures that stoked debate over a government claim that it had eradicated poverty.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68508868

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