China invites journalists to cover annual 'two sessions'

BEIJING -- China is inviting local and international journalists to cover the annual sessions of its national legislature and national political advisory body, both of which will be held in March, according to an official statement released Monday.

News coverage of the two sessions can be carried out through various means, but mainly through on-site reporting, said the statement jointly issued by the general offices of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

A media center for the two sessions will be open from Feb. 27, according to the statement.

The third session of the 14th NPC is scheduled to open on March 5, while the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee is set to begin on March 4.

China-based foreign journalists who want to cover the two sessions should submit their applications to the press center, while those not based in China should apply to Chinese embassies or consulates in their countries or via visa organizations authorized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reporters from Hong Kong and Macao should apply at the central government's liaison offices in the two special administrative regions, and reporters from Taiwan should apply to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 7, and more information about the two sessions is available on www.npc.gov.cn and www.cppcc.gov.cn.