China Makes Unexpected Decision to Cancel Premier’s Traditional News Briefing – Sky Bulletin

[ad_1]

In a surprising development out of Beijing, the Chinese government has announced on Monday that it would be abandoning the premier’s customary annual news conference. This event was one of the few occasions where journalists could interact directly with a senior Chinese official.

The announcement came from Lou Qinjian, the spokesperson for the National People’s Congress, just ahead of the start of the legislature’s annual session. This year, Premier Li Qiang will not conduct the traditional news conference at the end of the meeting, breaking from longstanding tradition.

The decision could be indicative of a broader shift where the role of the premier is being diminished in favor of consolidating control under the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, according to Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore.

“Because the structure now is the party leads, the premier is more like an implementer of the party’s orders, so no longer so important,” Alfred Wu explained. “That’s the main message.”

The National People’s Congress gathering, starting Tuesday, is being parsed by observers for any clues as to the government’s initiatives to fortify China’s faltering economy. In the congress’ opening, Premier Li is expected to deliver an annual report which will include the next year’s target for economic growth.

Xi, alongside Li and other top officials, attended a preliminary meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference within Beijing’s iconic Great Hall of the People.

Despite the cancellation of the premiere’s press conference, Lou stated that more opportunities would be provided for journalists to raise questions to ministers and other officials, as well as congress delegates.

Lou did provide a noteworthy insight regarding the future: “If there are no special circumstances, the premier’s press conference will not be held in the next few years,” he said, leaving the topic without further elaboration.

National People's Congress spokesperson Lou Qinjian poses for photo after a press conference on the eve of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana).

Lou Qinjian photographed after a news conference before the commencement of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana).

Lou reiterated that revisions to the espionage law and related policies were not aimed at foreign businesses or legitimate professional activities. In fact, he stressed China’s commitment against the misrepresentation of their legislative changes and their impact on the business climate.

The updated legislation refines espionage definitions and legal boundaries to enhance clarity and security for foreign entities in China. Yet, the foreign business community still expresses unease over the lack of clarity on lawful conduct.

Lou spoke confidently regarding technological advancements, referencing China’s homegrown Beidou Navigation Satellite System to illustrate the country’s ability to surmount technological obstacles when left to rely on its own resources.

“This example fully demonstrates that as long as we persist in being self-reliant, there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome,” he assured. Lou did not offer comments on the upcoming U.S. presidential election or its potential implications for U.S.-China relations.

However, he criticized the conduct of U.S. Congress members concerning legislation targeting China and disputed visits to Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

A Chinese journalist poses for photos with hostesses before a preparatory session of the National People's Congress outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Prior to a National People’s Congress preparatory meeting, journalist takes photographs with hostesses outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Chinese military officers arrive for a preparatory session of the National People's Congress outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Military officers congregating for a session at the National People’s Congress outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

The Nation’s upcoming defense budget and military spending trends are a matter of speculation, with official figures expected to be disclosed at the congress opening. Lou didn’t cite specific numbers but suggested the trajectory would align with recent moderate increases, with last year’s budget seeing a 7.2% growth.

Defense analyst Helena Legarda anticipates a 6% to 7% rise in spending, marking a prioritization of military modernization even amid economic challenges. She believes that such an increase would “signal quite clearly that Beijing is quite concerned about its international environment.”

___

The congress spokesperson’s name has been corrected to Qinjian in this report.

FAQ Section:

Q: Why has China decided to cancel the premier’s annual news conference?

A: The exact reasons have not been detailed, but the move aligns with a broader shift towards centralizing power within the Communist Party. It may reflect a reduced emphasis on the premier’s role as more of an implementer of party decisions.

Q: Will foreign companies be targeted by China’s revised espionage law?

A: According to Lou Qinjian, these revisions do not target foreign companies, normal business or scholarly activities, and aim to clarify legal behavior to enhance security and certainty for foreign investors in China.

Q: How does China plan to address technological advancements?

A: Lou Qinjian emphasized self-reliance and mentioned China’s Beidou Navigation Satellite System as an example of surmounting technology challenges independently, without relying on foreign technology.

Q: What is the expected increase in China’s military spending?

A: Official figures have yet to be released, but it is expected that the increase will continue the trend of moderate growth. Defense analysts speculate an increase of 6% to 7%.

Conclusion:

The unexpected termination of the traditional news conference held by the Chinese premier signifies a potential de-emphasis on the role and highlights the ongoing consolidation of power within the upper echelons of the Communist Party. This development has drawn global attention as it may influence China’s policy transparency and international relations. Observers will continue to monitor the legislative session for further insights into China’s economic and defense strategies amidst these structural changes.

[ad_2]