Reporter's Diary: How foreigners view the Two Sessions?

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Before this year, I had only heard and read about China’s annual Two Sessions. For the first time now, I get to cover and experience the meetings first hand.

Throughout the past week and in our daily briefings we’d been told that Monday was the big day – the opening of the National People’s Congress (NPC), and we had to prepare, keep time and ensure everything, including our equipment, were ready.

CGTN reporters Jane Kiyo (R) and Bonface Maina Ng'ang'a queue outside the Great Hall of the People. /CGTN Photo

When we left our hotel at 5 a.m. for the Great Hall of the People, I thought we would be the first to arrive to the venue, but to my surprise (and the surprise of CGTN crew), we weren't. Dozens of other journos had beaten us to it: we found long queues as everyone tried to go past security checks at temperatures as low as -3 degrees.

We had to wait for another one and a half hours for security clearance to begin. And then the mad rush began to secure a spot where we would set up our camera.

My assignment for the day was to speak to diplomats and foreign observers on their expectations, so it was easy to find a foothold outside the Great Hall of the People .

With China’s growing global influence, the NPC continues to gain a lot of international attention. Dozens of foreigners were among those allowed into the hall for the opening meeting.

Winnie Chibesakunda, Zambia’s ambassador to China, talks to CGTN's Jane Kiyo. /CGTN Photo

“The Two Sessions are very important not just for China but for Africa as well.. We are here to learn about the systems and democracy," Winnie Chibesakunda, Zambia’s ambassador to China, told me.

“We are hoping to hear about what China is thinking about internally and also about its foreign policy," Fernando Lugris, Uruguay's ambassador to China, chipped in.

Fernando Lugris, Uruguay's ambassador to China, talks to CGTN's Jane Kiyo. /CGTN Photo

Meanwhile, others like Hans Friederich of the International Bamboo and Rattan organization said that Two Sessions were all about the environment.

"I’m very pleased to see the environment included in the economic agenda," Hans told me.

For many, the Two Sessions offer a glimpse into the path the world's second-largest economy is charting.

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