The well informed Hongkong newspaper Singtao reported (April 17) that the 'Two Sessions' (i.e. the CPPCC and NPC) will be held in late May. The duration of the NPC session will not exceed ten days, which will be the shortest session in history. Speculation in Beijing is that the CPPCC session will be held from May 21 till May 27 and the NPC session from May 23 to May 30. Tan Yaozong, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), revealed that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has scheduled a meeting from April 26 to 29 when a final decision on the dates will be taken. 

Singtao also said that all NPC deputies and members of the CPPCC National Committee who enter Beijing must undergo quarantine before departure and the reception banquet will also be cancelled during the two sessions. In addition to the reports issued by the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the National People's Congress, and the Chairman of the CPPCC, the work reports of some departments would be distributed. The number of journalists, especially local reporters, and the number of press conferences will be greatly reduced this year.

(Comment: The proprietor of Singtao is a Member of the CPPCC.)