Chinese legislature’s meetings return, but the limited openness they once had is gone

Key Chinese finance and economy officials look on as journalists raise their hands to ask questions at a press conference on the sideline of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Some of the most closely watched press conferences happen during China’s meeting of its ceremonial legislature. The meeting is a rare opportunity to directly engage with officials, yet the space for that engagement is shrinking. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) BEIJING - This year, China's national legislature resumed its annual in-person meetings without many of the restrictions that had been imposed since the pandemic. No more bubbles,…