Wang Guoqing, 63, has become the spokesperson for the 4th Session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). He is also the 14th spokesperson for the CPPCC annual session since the first news conference of the "two sessions" was held in 1983.
Wang Guoqing, spokesperson for the Fourth Session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, answers questions during a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Wang made his debut as the CPPCC spokesperson at the press conference of the 4th Session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee held at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday afternoon, during which he briefed both Chinese and foreign journalists on the session and took their questions.
"This job is nothing new for me, but it still fills me with awe," said Wang in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday.
Having nearly 40 years of experience in journalism, Wang has actively promoted the establishment and development of the news release system in China.
Wang said the new job is a big challenge for him, "An excellent spokesperson must have profound knowledge and extensive learning as well as keen political awareness and good communication skills," he said.
Speaking of the CPPCC press conference, Wang said he had done a lot of research in the past month, collecting more than 1,400 questions and gathering information from over 60 departments. He also talked with journalists from various domestic and foreign media outlets to gain a better understanding regarding the issues of which they’re most concerned.
"A CPPCC conference usually lasts only about one hour, so I have to answer as many questions as possible and release as much valuable information as I can within the limited time," he said.
Wang currently serves as vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee. He was vice head of the State Council Information Office from 2000 to 2013, during which he witnessed the establishment and development of China's news release system.
In the eyes of Wang Guoqing, a spokesperson’s role is akin to that of a window into government and administrative affairs; at the same time, a spokesperson is also the protector of the people's rights to know the facts.
Speaking of the relationship between the spokesperson and reporters, Wang described it as cooperative. "I sincerely welcome reporters to raise their questions. I hope they can raise tough questions rather than extreme questions. Good questions can stimulate a spokesperson's thinking and thus lead to surprisingly excellent answers," he said.
Speaking of the CPPCC, Wang explained that it brings together the experts and scholars from all walks of life who are open-minded and insightful. While serving as a reporter for China Radio International (CRI) in the 1980s, Wang did a lot of interviews with the CPPCC.
Wang has gone through a lot in his life. He worked in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution, served as English translator and was appointed as vice head of the State Council Information Office. He also had the experience of studying in Canada and serving as a special correspondent in the United States. "Every experience is helpful to a spokesperson," he said.
Having long engaged in publicity work, Wang has been thinking about how to use international languages to tell the story of China's development. "As the CPPCC spokesperson, I am telling the story of China's development not only to the Chinese people, but also to the world," he said, adding "I hope that, through answering reporters' questions, I give the world a true vision of China."
The CPPCC session will open on Thursday, two days before the start of the NPC session.
