By Jiahui Huang
China has canceled the press conference its premier holds at the conclusion of the annual "Two Sessions" meeting, ending a decadeslong tradition.
"There will be no premier's press conference after the second session of the 14th National People's Congress ends this year," NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian said at a briefing Monday. The arrangement will last for the remainder of the current NPC's term, barring special circumstances, Lou said. The current NPC's term is expected to last until 2028.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang's government work report, and the plan and budget reports from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Finance Ministry will still be made available.
The first premier's press conference was held in 1991 by Li Peng. It was skipped in 1992 but has since become a tradition, receiving global attention for addressing key policy concerns and social issues in the world's second-largest economy.
During this year's meeting, the NPC will hold three press conferences focusing on foreign affairs, the economy and people's livelihoods.
Write to Jiahui Huang at jiahui.huang@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-04-24 0249ET
