China’s Premier Shocks with Unexpected Cancellation of Annual News Conference

China’s annual legislative meeting will no longer include a news conference with ⁤the country’s premier, marking the end of a 30-year tradition.​ This decision ⁢has raised concerns⁣ about China’s commitment to transparency and its increasingly opaque information policies. The⁢ move also ⁢reflects the consolidation of power by‌ China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, relegating other officials to less visible roles. The decision was announced‍ just ‍before ⁢the opening of this year’s legislative conclave, indicating a shift⁢ towards‍ more question-and-answer sessions with lower-level officials. ⁢The premier’s news conference, which has been⁣ held since 1993, provided a rare opportunity for journalists to interact with top Chinese leaders, despite the limited scope of questions allowed. The decision to end this practice has sparked discussion and debate, ‍with Chinese social media closely monitored and regulated.⁣ This change ‍highlights the ‍evolving dynamics of China’s ​political landscape and ⁤its impact on media access‍ and transparency. For more information, visit www.nytimes.com