China’s ‘two sessions’ a chance to boost Beijing’s image, but more transparency needed

Every March, the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – together known as the “two sessions” – offer a rare opportunity for overseas journalists to catch a glimpse into the opaque world of Chinese politics.

The two sessions are very different from the legislative meetings of Western countries. For example, foreign journalists are only granted access to certain panels and events during China’s annual parliamentary sessions.

While there are a few press conferences held during the political gathering in Beijing, questions are submitted beforehand, and hosts select which media outlets may ask questions ahead of time. The answers are scripted, as are the speeches by delegates in panel discussions that allow overseas media to attend.

Still, it is a rare opportunity for overseas journalists to see the officials and hear them talk about policy.

Decades ago, journalists – especially those from Hong Kong – would spontaneously approach ministers and provincial leaders at the two sessions to ask them questions.

For instance, Wang Qishan spent a lot of time answering questions from journalists on the sidelines of the two sessions while he was deputy governor of Guangdong province from 1998 to 2000.

At the time, the media savvy Wang, who went on to become vice-president, was on a mission to restore the confidence of foreign investors after the collapse of Guangdong International Trust and Investment Corporation (Gitic), a provincial investment arm.