Reporters share stories on covering China’s political season

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China's annual top political gathering, or the “Two Sessions,” is underway. Reporters from CGTN, CRI, and Global Times shared their stories on covering China's political season, as well as what they will focus on reporting for this year's “Two Sessions.”

“First of all, get a pair of good shoes,” said Nathan King. Nathan is CGTN's D.C.-based correspondent, who came all the way from the U.S. to report on this gathering. “The Two Sessions is all about walking around. The Great Hall of the People is a GREAT HALL, with a hundred rooms, staircases, and 3,000 reporters. I remember my first one. I felt very lost,” Nathan explained.

Covering the Two Sessions is called “Pao Lianghui” in Chinese, which could be literally translated into “running through the Two Sessions.” The reporters have to run through everything between different events. Therefore, as Nathan said, it's wise to have a pair of comfortable shoes.

Reporters from CGTN, CRI, Global Times at the table./ CGTN Photo

There are many issues that are of concern to the people during the political season, but journalists from China's major media outlets all have different focuses for their reporting.

Luo Laiming, a reporter from China Radio International (CRI), said he cares more about NPC deputies and CPPCC members' proposals related to those from the grassroots, for instance, couriers.

Wang Wenwen, an editor from Global Times, said she is interested in the proposal from Baidu's CEO Robin Li, who has been trying to promote the ethical use of AI.

A new foreign investment law will be voted on during this year's Two Sessions. This new law has drawn King's attention. Through a foreign perspective, Nathan said he would pay more attention to the NPC and CPPCC's decisions, which will affect the foreign agenda.

Thousands of representatives and top officials are gathering in Beijing for China's biggest annual political meetings. What's the Two Sessions like in media reporters' eyes? What are the stories behind the scene? CGTN will hold more media roundtable talks in the following days.

Cover: CGTN Reporter Zou Yun, Global Times Reporter Wang Wenwen, CGTN Reporter Nathan King, CRI Reporter Luo Laiming (From left to right) /CGTN Photo