China Abolishes NPC Premier Press Conference... End of Over 30 Years (Comprehensive)

When Asked About Impact on US Presidential Election: "It's Just a US Domestic Matter"

After the closing of the National People's Congress (NPC), the core event of China's Two Sessions (the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), the customary press conference held by the Premier of the State Council for domestic and foreign media is expected to be effectively abolished. This is interpreted as a breakdown in communication with overseas media and a reduction in the presence of the second-ranking economic leader in China.

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the 14th NPC's second session, stated at a press conference held on the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, "After comprehensively considering all matters, there will be no Premier's press conference following this year's NPC session." Lou added, "The content of the meeting will be disclosed to the public later, and the media center will respond to foreign journalists' questions through ministerial-level press conferences and leadership meetings of relevant State Council departments."

Domestic and international reporters are photographing Lou Qinjian, spokesperson of the 2nd session of the 14th National People's Congress, held on the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo by Kim Hyunjung)

Accordingly, the Premier's press conference at the closing of the NPC, which has been regularized since Premier Zhu Rongji's tenure in 1993, is likely to be effectively discontinued after more than 30 years. Lou further explained, "Unless there is a special circumstance, the Premier's press conference after the NPC will not be held for the coming years," fueling speculation that there may be no such conference until March 2028, the end of President Xi Jinping's term.

The Premier of the State Council, who ranks second in China and heads the central government, traditionally delivers the government work report on the opening day of the annual NPC session and holds a concluding press conference for domestic and foreign media on the closing day. The Premier's closing press conference, broadcast live, is a rare opportunity for the highest-ranking national official to directly answer questions from foreign journalists. Premier Li Chang also made his debut at last year's NPC closing press conference, expressing confidence in economic growth and emphasizing U.S.-China cooperation.

At the spokesperson's press conference held that day, relatively sensitive questions followed regarding supply chain conflicts with the U.S., China's Counter-Espionage Law, the scale of defense spending considering recent geopolitical circumstances, and the impact of the U.S. presidential election results. However, Lou responded by reiterating existing positions.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to a question from a Chinese media outlet about the policies the NPC has pursued in recent years amid intensified competition among major powers in advanced technology fields such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI), and some countries taking extreme measures like "decoupling" and "de-risking," Lou said, "China believes that openness and cooperation are the right path to pioneering the forefront of science and driving development," adding, "Decoupling and 'high walls around small gardens' hinder global scientific and technological progress, impede global industrial development, and only widen the gap." He continued, "As long as we persistently pursue self-reliance, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome," emphasizing, "Technology cannot be stopped; it is only a matter of time."

When a foreign journalist mentioned that China's military expenditure reached 1.56 trillion yuan (approximately 288 trillion won) last year, marking the largest increase in four years (7.2%), and asked about this year's situation, Lou replied, "I understand that the media pays attention to the defense budget every year at the NPC," adding, "In recent years, China has reasonably and steadily increased defense spending to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, adapt to the demands of military reform with Chinese characteristics, and better fulfill the international responsibilities and obligations of a major country." He also emphasized, "Compared to major military powers including the U.S., China's defense budget has always been relatively low in terms of GDP and national fiscal expenditure proportions, per capita defense spending, and per soldier defense spending."

Regarding concerns from foreign investors about the Counter-Espionage Law and whether further amendments will be made, Lou responded to a foreign journalist's question by saying, "It is a misinterpretation of the Counter-Espionage Law to claim that it poses risks to foreign individuals and companies entering China," stressing, "The revised Counter-Espionage Law has increased certainty and security for foreign companies and individuals investing, working, and living in China. We oppose misinterpretations of the law that damage China's business environment."

When asked by foreign media whether the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election would affect U.S.-China relations, Lou openly expressed discomfort. He said, "Frankly, we have frequently seen some U.S. lawmakers introduce anti-China bills, make anti-China remarks about Chinese institutions, companies, and citizens, and even visit China's Taiwan region. These actions seriously interfere in China's internal affairs, infringe on China's legitimate rights and interests, and hinder normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries." He added, "The U.S. presidential election is a domestic matter for the U.S., and we do not take any position on it. Whoever is elected, we hope the U.S. side will work with China to steer Sino-U.S. relations toward stable, healthy, and sustainable development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.