BEIJING: The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday signaled its readiness to allow foreign media to cover the upcoming 18th National Congress of the party on November 8. It has asked journalists to apply for accreditation between October 9 and November 2.
All CPC activities including the closed door meetings of the National Committee are held in secrecy with the media getting little access except for calculated leaks.
The party, which is faced with the worst political scandal in decades over the Bo Xilai affair, has more reasons to be secretive.
This is what makes the sudden announcement about media access a significant move aimed to demonstrate a sense of confidence among the top leaders.
The meetings will continue to be closed-door affairs. But press conferences will be organized for reporters in a specially-made media centre.