China cancels premier's annual news conference, eliminating rare opportunity for public to question leadership
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For over 30 years, China's premier held an annual news conference taking questions from journalists at the end of the National People's Congress. This was the only time the public could question a top leader.
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On Monday, China announced this annual premier's news conference will no longer happen, eliminating an important institution from the reform era.
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The news conference provided a window into China's government and economy, even if highly scripted, for both Chinese citizens and the international community.
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By cancelling it, China is becoming more like North Korea - closed off and dictatorial, with no political participation.
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The end of the news conference emphasizes President Xi Jinping's tight grip on power in China.