China is currently hosting the two sessions, namely the Fifth Session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, and the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an important organ of multi-party cooperation and political consultation. They are not only the concern of the Chinese people around but also are being firmly scrutinized by the whole world. The annual event showcases China's direction for the year to come, providing foreign journalists with a unique insight into the inner workings of the Chinese government.
Ahead of 2007's twin sessions, the Chinese government has for the first time allowed overseas journalists to directly interview lawmakers and political advisers, indicating a further loosening of rules governing foreign media ahead of the Olympic Games. 560 reporters working for 135 news agencies from 31 countries are attending both sessions' press events, a marked 10 percent increase over last year. |