Exclusive: 19th CPC National Congress spokesperson holds a press conference. The first press conference of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. Before the press conference, hundreds of journalists came to the Great Hall of the People with cameras and took up good locations. The 19th CPC National Congress will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, and conclude on October 24. A total number of 3,068 Chinese and foreign journalists will report on the event, including 1,818 journalists from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad. The number of journalists increased by 6.7% compared to the 18th CPC National Congress.