China has announced the elimination of Premier Li Qiang’s annual news conference, a move that marks a departure from the tradition of top Chinese leaders interacting with the media. The decision was communicated by National People’s Congress spokesperson Lou Qinlan on the eve of the legislature’s annual session. While the congress aims to provide more opportunities for journalists to engage with officials and delegates, the absence of the premier’s press conference has raised questions about transparency. The weeklong session will be closely monitored for insights into the government’s plans to address economic challenges, with Qiang expected to present the annual report outlining the economic growth target for 2024.