'No press conference, no problem'
Local members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Monday downplayed an announcement that Premier Li Qiang will not host a press conference at the end of the weeklong National People's Congress (NPC) meeting, saying it would make little difference to proceedings at the annual session of China's parliament and top advisory body. An NPC spokesman announced on Monday that the Premier would not hold a press conference at the close of the annual session this year and in future years. It is the first time in three decades that a serving premier would not hold a press briefing at the conclusion of the NPC. Local CPPCC delegate Michael Lee said the new arrangement would not make a difference for people trying to find out what was going on. “I think most of the papers will be presented from the press releases or some paper discussions through the meetings,” Lee said. Another local delegate Peter Koon made similar remarks. “The government has its own arrangements. I think maybe we have other channels that could allow the media to ask the government in other areas,” he said. Local delegate So Cheung-wing also said he’s not worried. “In the past year, information disclosed in the meetings was sufficient. For example, the work reports included political, economic, and diplomatic material as well as information on Hong Kong and Macau affairs,” he said.