Retired basketball star Yao Ming, a CPPCC member, arrives at the Great Hall of the People for the annual meeting on Monday. Photo: IC

The annual gathering of China's national legislature convenes today in Beijing, following the top political consultative institute that began on Monday. During the "two sessions" of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), major State policies are set to be discussed and determined.

However, it's not uncommon for the NPC deputies and CPPCC members, many of whom are household names or even celebrities, to steal the limelight from the political gatherings, in front of the hundreds of photographers and cameramen.

Sports champions, entertainment stars and business tycoons are among those who join this group of political elite.

For years, journalists, both domestic and foreign, have developed skills to seize opportunities to encounter those media darlings at the right location. Upon spotting the arrival of the deputies in front of the Great Hall of the People, journalists adopt the strategy of throng and encircle, blocking them off and extending questions on the sidelines of the sessions.

According to the Chinese system, the two sessions attendees raise issues of their own concern, on behalf of their social group, or offer suggestions for State or regional regulations. These proposals and suggestions will be submitted for discussion.

Global Times

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Movie star Jackie Chan is mobbed by reporters outside the Great Hall of the People. Photo: CFP

 

Hurdling Olympic champion Liu Xiang tries to bypass the crowd of journalists before the CPPCC opening. Photo: CFP