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China Proposes Postponement of Its 'Two Sessions' in March

Joyce Huang

   China has proposed postponing its annual "Two Sessions" meetings in
   March of the national legislature and top political advisory body
   pending a final decision next Monday, according to state media Xinhua
   News.
   Observers say the call, once finalized, will highlight the Chinese
   government's priority in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
   Deliberations of the nation's major policy issues, including its annual
   military budget and future economic outlook, will also be delayed.

   Challenging year ahead

   The delays suggest a challenging year ahead politically and
   economically for China's top leadership, analysts say.

   "Now is a critical moment for China to fight the epidemic and stop the
   spread of the virus. (We) have to stay focused and make all-out
   efforts," Zang Tiewei, a spokesperson for China's National People's
   Congress (NPC), told Xinhua News after the close of an NPC standing
   committee meeting.

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