China Halts Premier's Annual Press Conference

Facts

• Breaking 30 years of precedent, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Monday announced that Premier Li Qiang won't hold his annual press conference at this year's session of the National People's Congress.¹
• A government spokesman further stated that Li won't hold such a press conference — which has historically been used by foreign investors and governments to gauge Beijing's upcoming economic policies — in any year through the end of his term in 2027.²
• In addition, the spokesman said that instead there will be more question-and-answer sessions with lower-level officials.³
• As is customary, the annual legislative session will begin with an address to Congress by Li, which is expected to include the country's upcoming gross domestic product target. China's economy grew by 5.2% last year, with the International Monetary Fund projecting 4.6% this year.⁴
• The move ends an approximately 30-year tradition that involved direct interaction with journalists and PRC leadership.³

Sources: ¹WSJ, ²Reuters, ³The New York Times and ⁴NBC.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Associated Press. This cancellation isn't surprising considering how under Xi China has gone from having little press freedom to none. In 2016, Xi said that journalists must have 'the correct orientation of public opinion.' This is a sign of Xi's continued consolidation of power and distrust of the press.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. Western media is reporting on a red herring. Reporters have been writing hit pieces on every issue, from the housing crisis to foreign capital, and don't deserve to interview the premier. Beijing will proceed with its five-year plan to enhance economic prosperity — which will be a boon to the entire global community.

Predictions