Reflections from overseas media
Editor's Note: Premier Li Keqiang’s end-of-session news conference attracted many overseas journalists this year. Here is what they said impressed them and which issues they were most interested in.
Surat Preechatam, an editor at China News Department of Thaiday Dot Com
“I’m interested in China’s Belt and Road Initiative because it is a new project China is pushing and involves many countries. I hope it will be a win-win plan, not only bringing development for China but also for other nations involved, including Thailand. It’s lucky to have an opportunity to ask the premier a question. I still wanted to know more specifics about the Mekong region, because China also has lots of development projects there.”
Lyu Pin, a reporter at Macao Asia Satellite Television
“I was most impressed that CNN was the first one to ask the premier a question, which shows the great importance China has attached to relations with the United States. Meanwhile, I noticed that many more journalists than before from foreign media had the privilege of raising a question during today’s news conference, including those from Thailand, Singapore and France. It also demonstrates that the conference is opening its door wider to journalists from all over the world.”
Eric Baculinao, a reporter at NBC News
“What I care about most is whether China’s economic miracle will last. That’s because the old development mode was a good fit for the past, but now China is facing a new situation, such as the rise of the middle class. What will China do in such circumstances? I was also impressed by the Chinese government’s emphasis on employment. It is of great importance for a country with 1.3 billion people.”
Wei Yan, president of Hong Kongbased Home and Abroad News Press
“Hong Kong’s chief executive election is around the corner, and I’m impressed that Premier Li said the central government will show unremitting support to Hong Kong as usual. Before taking office as premier in 2013, Li, on behalf of the central government, unveiled a series of preferential policies for Hong Kong. If I have the opportunity to raise a question, I’ll ask him whether there will be more preferential policies to be expected in the near future.”