China Cancels Premier's Annual News Conference Ahead of Key Political Meeting
• China canceled premier's annual news conference, eliminating rare chance for journalists to question top leader • Move comes ahead of big annual political meeting starting March 5, fuels economic uncertainty • Premier traditionally holds wide-ranging news conference at end of National People's Congress • China says economy has "more favorable conditions than challenges," but faces many issues • Meeting will be watched for fiscal stimulus plans, measures to encourage consumption, shift from property-reliant growth