This year, China's national legislature, known as the Two Sessions, resumed its annual in-person meetings without the stringent COVID-19 restrictions that had been in place. However, the meetings have become more tightly scripted to convey Chinese leader Xi Jinping's message, limiting spontaneity and open engagement.
The sessions, which lasted just one week compared to their previous length, no longer allow mingling between delegates and journalists. Reporters have been physically barred from approaching officials, and the premier's news conference, a three-decade tradition, was canceled this year.
Under Xi's leadership, China has seen a significant transformation, with press freedom shrinking as power is consolidated. Journalists have noted a general tightening of accessibility, with pre-screened questions and limited interactions between journalists and politicians.
Previously, the Two Sessions provided a rare opportunity for journalists to ask impromptu questions and gain insight into China's political system. However, recent years have seen a shift towards more controlled interactions, with questions being assigned by officials and off-script questions being prohibited.
While past leaders engaged with foreign media and allowed unvetted questions, Xi has not answered questions from American journalists in nearly a decade. This year's meetings featured scripted questions and praise for the government's decision to cancel the premier's news conference.
Overall, the tightening control over the Two Sessions reflects a broader trend of restricted press freedom and limited engagement with the media in China.
