China's government announced on Monday the decision to discontinue Premier Li Qiang's annual news conference, a tradition that has been held since 1993. This move is seen as a reflection of the diminishing power of the premier and the government bureaucracy, as the Communist Party under the leadership of Xi Jinping centralizes control over the nation's affairs.
The National People's Congress, a largely ceremonial legislative body, is set to convene its annual session, with Premier Li expected to present the government's economic growth target for 2024. The decision to forgo the premier's press conference is a departure from past practices and signifies a shift in the political landscape.
