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The Chinese government on Monday proposed to postpone China’s “two sessions,” (全国两会) a key event in the country’s political calendar, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

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‘Two Sessions’ is a key event in China’s political calendar. During the event, national lawmakers and political advisors are expected to review and discuss a series of work reports which cover every aspect of China’s development. Growth targets and reform goals need to be set. Budgets, development plans, and laws need to be reviewed and put to vote.

The openings of the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress, China’s highest organ of state power, and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, had been held on March 5 and March 3, respectively, since 1998.

The annual gatherings include numerous highly choreographed events, many taking place inside the Great Hall of the People to the west of Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing.

China has entered the most crucial stage of fighting the novel coronavirus epidemic which caused at least 1,868 with 93 more deaths in Hubei and five more in other parts of the country.

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China also reported an additional 1,886 new infections across the country, but mostly from Hubei, bringing the nationwide total to at least 72,436.

By postponing the sessions to an appropriate time, decision-makers will have more time to examine the current situation and roll out measures more precisely and effectively to restore normal economic and social activity.