China’s Premier Cancels Annual News Conference, Signaling Increasing Information Opacity
In a surprising move, China’s premier will no longer hold a news conference after the country’s annual legislative meeting, Beijing announced on Monday. This decision marks the end of a three-decades-long practice that had provided journalists with a rare opportunity to interact with top Chinese leaders.
The announcement, made just a day before the opening of this year’s legislative conclave, has raised concerns among observers about the country’s increasing information opacity. Despite the government’s claims of commitment to transparency and fostering a friendly business environment, the cancellation of the premier’s news conference suggests a shift towards less visibility for top officials.
The decision is seen as a reflection of how China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has consolidated power, relegating other officials, including the premier, to less prominent roles. China’s current premier, Li Qiang, was widely believed to have been appointed last year due to his loyalty to Mr. Xi.
According to Lou Qinjian, a spokesman for the legislature, there will not be a premier’s news conference in the next few years following this year’s legislative session. Instead, there will be more question-and-answer sessions with lower-level officials.
The move has sparked discussion on Chinese social media, with censors closely monitoring and regulating conversations about the change. The decision to close comments sections and restrict access to related content has raised further questions about the government’s commitment to openness.
The premier’s news conference, which has been held since 1993, provided journalists with a rare opportunity to ask direct questions to top leaders, even though the answers often aligned with the official line. Over the years, reporters have raised a wide range of issues, from human rights abuses to economic concerns.
However, since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, controls over the press and speech have tightened, leading to more scripted and controlled interactions with the media. The role of the premier has also diminished, with a focus on security and ideology over economic growth.
The cancellation of the premier’s news conference is expected to further reduce the visibility of the premier and reinforce the notion that there is no alternative to Xi’s leadership, according to experts.
The decision to end the long-standing practice of the premier’s news conference highlights the evolving dynamics of power and transparency in China’s political landscape.
