[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Chinese Communist Party government is reportedly discussing postponing the National People's Congress scheduled for the 5th of next month, according to multiple Chinese Communist Party sources cited by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 17th.
According to SCMP, a Communist Party source stated regarding the National People's Congress, "It is difficult to hold it as scheduled," and "The timing is undecided."
Additionally, the Chinese government informed diplomats in Beijing that "the timing of the event has not yet been finalized."
Concerns have arisen within the Communist Party and the Chinese government that if the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which involves over 5,000 delegates, is held in conjunction with the National People's Congress, people from all over the country will gather in Beijing, increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection, suggesting the possibility of postponing the CPPCC as well.
Furthermore, Japan's Kyodo News reported that if the National People's Congress is delayed, major diplomatic schedules, including Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan planned for April this year, could also be affected.
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