China kicked off its annual session of parliament Tuesday in Beijing. In the wake of COVID, Chinese leaders are trying to put a positive spin on the many economic problems they face. But members of the media didn’t get answers to the questions they had. The post-meeting press conference that had been held for decades was cancelled this year. Voice of America’s Bill Gallo reports.

Ambitious economic goals unveiled during the opening of China’s ceremonial parliament. It’s a chance to project confidence, amid a host of challenges. Premier Li Qiang announced an economic growth target of about 5 percent – matching last year’s figure.

Li Qiang
Chinese premier
Achieving these targets this year is not an easy task, it requires focused policies, doubled efforts in work, and concerted efforts from all sides.

Chinese leaders have overseen some of the country’s slowest growth in decades, as they deal with a real estate crisis and slowing foreign investment. But at this choreographed meeting, the mood is upbeat, as China’s political elite endorse the Communist Party’s plans.

Bill Gallo
VOA News
One of the main goals of this meeting is to reassure foreign investors, who have a lot of questions about China’s economy. But the lack of a press conference afterwards may leave a lot of those questions unanswered.

For decades, China’s premier answered media questions at the end of this gathering. Now, that event has been canceled.

Lim Tai Wei
National University of Singapore
It is a window of opportunity for international media to get access to insights by the premier himself. Therefore, the cancellation of the presser became a disappointment for many members of the international media community. In fact, many are shocked.

As he consolidates power, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized national security. That has spooked some foreign companies. But investors will be encouraged if China meets this year’s economic growth target, says Lim.

Lim Tai Wei
National University of Singapore
Because last year it was also 5 percent. So two years of 5 percent means there is a sustained recovery from Corona, compared to 2022, when growth was 3 percent. So this is the image that the Chinese government wants to portray.

China also announced it will boost defense spending by about 7 percent – well above its economic growth target.

Bill Gallo, VOA News, Beijing.

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