China's 'two sessions' attract 3,000 journalists, foreigners up 20%

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The annual sessions of China's parliament and top political advisory body have attracted 3,060 domestic and foreign journalists, 5.4 percent more than last year, according to the press center of the two sessions.

By 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 877 foreign journalists had registered at the press center, up 23 percent over last year, said Zhu Shouchen, deputy director of the press center.

They came from America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, he said.

The number of journalists from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan also increased to 421 from 370 last year.

"Reporters are attracted to cover the two sessions by China's fast economic growth and increasing international influence," Zhu said.

The First Session of the 11th National People's Congress is scheduled to open Wednesday and the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference started Monday.