Xi silent at congress, but it’s clear who isin charge

Xi Jinping didn't speak at China's Two Sessions meetings this year, but his presence was still felt.

- Amy Hawkins

His name appeared 16 times in the government work report delivered by the premier, Li Qiang, the number two leader, reportedly more than in any other year since Xi took office over a decade ago. Li was clear that credit for China's achievements in 2023 was owed to Xi and "the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", Xi's ideological doctrine.

Journalists at this year's Two Sessions - the first fully open to the media since the pandemic-outnumbered the delegates, but engagement with the press was limited and choreographed.

The last day of the National People's Congress (NPC) is normally a chance for the media to meet China's premier, though this year Li's press conference was cancelled without explanation, closing down one of the already limited forums for transparency. Press conferences on the NPC sidelines largely consisted of scripted answers.