China’s Annual Legislative Meeting Signals Return to Normalcy, But with a Twist
As nearly 3,000 delegates gathered in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People for China’s annual legislative meeting, a sense of normalcy seemed to return. Gone were the face masks and social distancing measures that had become the norm during the pandemic. Officials mingled, reporters buzzed, and the world watched as China signaled its readiness to engage with the global community once again.
However, beneath the surface, it was clear that China had changed in the four years since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The country appeared more insular, more tightly controlled, and more focused on the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The traditional openness of the annual meeting was tempered by new restrictions and protocols.
Attendees were still required to undergo government-arranged Covid tests to enter the Great Hall, and access to information was more limited. The premier, China’s No. 2 official, no longer held a press conference at the end of the session, breaking a three-decade tradition. Journalists, both Chinese and foreign, faced challenges in reporting on the event, with some foreign journalists only granted temporary visas.
Despite the outward display of openness, China’s tightening grip on information and control was evident. Restrictions on the press and increased surveillance were noticeable, with police presence and security measures heightened throughout Beijing. Question-and-answer sessions with preselected delegates and ministers replaced the premier’s news conference, further limiting access to information.
While China sought to project stability and attract foreign investors, the reality on the ground painted a different picture. Attempts to interview delegates outside of the scripted sessions were met with reluctance and evasion. The carefully orchestrated nature of the event highlighted the challenges of reporting in a country where information is tightly controlled.
As China navigates its post-pandemic future, the balance between openness and control remains a delicate one. The annual legislative meeting may have signaled a return to normalcy, but the new normal in China is one that is more controlled, more regimented, and more focused on the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
