This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/17/coronavirus-live-updates-us-citizens-japan-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-china-wuhan-hubei-cases-death-toll-latest-news

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 28 Version 29
Coronavirus: 99 more cases confirmed on cruise ship - live news Coronavirus: 99 more cases confirmed on cruise ship - live news
(32 minutes later)
Diamond Princess evacuations begin as Japan warns outbreak ‘entering new phase’. Follow latest updatesDiamond Princess evacuations begin as Japan warns outbreak ‘entering new phase’. Follow latest updates
A Pakistani international student on a university campus in Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has told of how he and other international students have been ordered not to leave their dormitories.
More than 100 foreign students at Wuhan’s Zhongnan University of Economics and Law had been allowed to visit grocery stores for one hour a week to purchase basic necessities.
They have now apparently been advised to remain in isolation to reduce the risk of possible disease spread, though it is unclear if anyone has contracted the deadly virus.
“There are lots of people in this situation,” he said. “I am not alone. For the past few days, we have been told to stay in our room and not go anywhere. Our exterior doors are locked and we cannot go outside.”
He and his fellow students spend most of their time in their rooms, only leaving to cook food in bulk to then refrigerate. The student said:
Since the university was closed in the beginning of January, students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Russia and elsewhere have been returned to their home countries, but those from some African and Latin American states are also among those who pass the days reading books, phoning home and watching TV.
Movement has been increasingly restricted and prices of groceries have allegedly doubled.
The student said the university administration was trying its best to manage the situation, but is required to keep the students indoors.
Pakistani authorities have reportedly said that more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but no plans for their evacuation have yet been announced.
The Pakistani student said:
It is too early to tell if the recent decline in new coronavirus cases will continue, the World Health Organization chief has said, and data must be interpreted “cautiously”.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, said in a press conference today:
He added that the virus seems to be “not as deadly as other coronavirus including Sars and Mers”, with the majority of patients making a full recovery.
Nearly half of China’s population is living under some form of travel restrictions, CNN analysis has revealed, as authorities strive to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Travel restrictions of varying degrees are still being enforced across a number of provinces and cities in mainland China, affecting over 780 million people.
This includes Hubei, Liaoning, Beijing and Shanghai, with restrictions ranging from self-quarantines to limits on who can come and go from neighbourhoods.
The strictest measures have been implemented in Hubei’s four cities – Wuhan, Huanggang, Shiyan and Xiaogan – which have completely sealed off all residential complexes and communities.
Residents receive daily essentials from neighbourhood committees, and the use of non-essential vehicles on motorways is banned.
The World Health Organization is working “very closely” with the Japanese authorities regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan.The World Health Organization is working “very closely” with the Japanese authorities regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan.
Dr Sylvie Briand, director of pandemic and epidemic diseases at the WHO, said:Dr Sylvie Briand, director of pandemic and epidemic diseases at the WHO, said:
She said there is so much still unknown about the virus that measures are monitored on a nearly hourly basis as they learn more about the disease. She said there was so much still unknown about the virus that measures were monitored on a nearly hourly basis as authorities learned more about the disease.
The Department of Health has confirmed that a Holiday Inn at Heathrow Airport has been block booked to be used as a coronavirus facility.The Department of Health has confirmed that a Holiday Inn at Heathrow Airport has been block booked to be used as a coronavirus facility.
The hotel will be used by those who are considered at risk but have nowhere else to go.The hotel will be used by those who are considered at risk but have nowhere else to go.
It can be used as a place for people to self-isolate if they have been advised to do so, and to be tested of the virus and await results. It can be used as a place for people to self-isolate if they have been advised to do so, and to be tested for the virus and await results.
All tests will be carried out by clinicians and anyone who does test positive will be transferred straight to hospital.All tests will be carried out by clinicians and anyone who does test positive will be transferred straight to hospital.
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airline hub both in terms of incoming passengers but also those in transit.Heathrow is the UK’s largest airline hub both in terms of incoming passengers but also those in transit.
The son of a British couple stuck onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship has renewed appeals for the UK government to help his parents.The son of a British couple stuck onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship has renewed appeals for the UK government to help his parents.
Steve Abel appeared in a video posted on his father’s YouTube channel and admitted that his “greatest fear” was that his parents would become separated in Japan.Steve Abel appeared in a video posted on his father’s YouTube channel and admitted that his “greatest fear” was that his parents would become separated in Japan.
Throughout the video he displayed a white piece of paper reading “Mum and Dad are fine!” but said that his parents were beginning to feel the effects of living in quarantine for an extended period of time. He said:Throughout the video he displayed a white piece of paper reading “Mum and Dad are fine!” but said that his parents were beginning to feel the effects of living in quarantine for an extended period of time. He said:
Steve also asked the authorities to give his parents more information.Steve also asked the authorities to give his parents more information.
Abel said he was extremely concerned that his parents may be separated abroad.Abel said he was extremely concerned that his parents may be separated abroad.
Becoming visibly emotional, he said:Becoming visibly emotional, he said:
Japan is on the brink of recession, after its economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years as the impact of the coronavirus epidemic continues to set in.Japan is on the brink of recession, after its economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years as the impact of the coronavirus epidemic continues to set in.
Official figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 1.6% in the last quarter. If GDP falls for a second successive quarter, the economy will be in recession.Official figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 1.6% in the last quarter. If GDP falls for a second successive quarter, the economy will be in recession.
Along with the coronavirus, a sales tax hitting consumer and business spending, and the impact of a major typhoon have also hit the world’s third-largest economy badly.Along with the coronavirus, a sales tax hitting consumer and business spending, and the impact of a major typhoon have also hit the world’s third-largest economy badly.
Taro Saito, executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, said: “There’s a pretty good chance the economy will suffer another contraction in January-March.Taro Saito, executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, said: “There’s a pretty good chance the economy will suffer another contraction in January-March.
“The virus will mainly hit inbound tourism and exports, but could also weigh on domestic consumption quite a lot.“The virus will mainly hit inbound tourism and exports, but could also weigh on domestic consumption quite a lot.
“If this epidemic is not contained by the time of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the damage to the economy will be huge.”“If this epidemic is not contained by the time of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the damage to the economy will be huge.”
You can find out more on our Business live blog.You can find out more on our Business live blog.
A Russian court has ordered a woman who escaped from quarantine after testing negative for the disease to return to hospital for at least two more days.A Russian court has ordered a woman who escaped from quarantine after testing negative for the disease to return to hospital for at least two more days.
Alla llyina was admitted to hospital in St Petersburg on 6 February with a sore throat and was tested for the new coronavirus as she had returned from China five days earlier.Alla llyina was admitted to hospital in St Petersburg on 6 February with a sore throat and was tested for the new coronavirus as she had returned from China five days earlier.
She broke out of the hospital the next day by disabling an electronic lock in her room, after finding out she would have to spend 14 days in isolation instead of the 24 hours that doctors promised her.She broke out of the hospital the next day by disabling an electronic lock in her room, after finding out she would have to spend 14 days in isolation instead of the 24 hours that doctors promised her.
In an Instagram post, Ilyina wrote: “Wild. All three tests showed I was completely healthy, so why the hell the quarantine?”In an Instagram post, Ilyina wrote: “Wild. All three tests showed I was completely healthy, so why the hell the quarantine?”
Several days later, Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, filed a lawsuit against her, asking the court to order compulsory confinement in hospital.Several days later, Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, filed a lawsuit against her, asking the court to order compulsory confinement in hospital.
Ilyina’s defence lawyer argued during the court hearing on Monday that she didn’t pose any danger to people around her and noted that she was allowed into a courtroom packed with dozens of people, none of whom wore masks.Ilyina’s defence lawyer argued during the court hearing on Monday that she didn’t pose any danger to people around her and noted that she was allowed into a courtroom packed with dozens of people, none of whom wore masks.
Health officials maintained that isolating Ilyina was a necessary measure to stop the virus from spreading, claiming it can be latent in a person for up to 24 days.Health officials maintained that isolating Ilyina was a necessary measure to stop the virus from spreading, claiming it can be latent in a person for up to 24 days.
The St Petersburg branch of Rospotrebnadzor did not respond to a request for comment on the effectiveness of the court ruling, given that Ilyina has already roamed free for almost 10 days after escaping.The St Petersburg branch of Rospotrebnadzor did not respond to a request for comment on the effectiveness of the court ruling, given that Ilyina has already roamed free for almost 10 days after escaping.
Last week, at least three other people in quarantine for possible coronavirus infection fled the same St Petersburg hospital.Last week, at least three other people in quarantine for possible coronavirus infection fled the same St Petersburg hospital.
Two of them have since returned while the third a woman, named Anna Rybakova, remains at large, according to media reports.Two of them have since returned while the third a woman, named Anna Rybakova, remains at large, according to media reports.
Rospotrebnadzor has filed a lawsuit to bring Rybakova back to the hospital as well, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.Rospotrebnadzor has filed a lawsuit to bring Rybakova back to the hospital as well, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The chief of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, announced on Monday that health officials were looking into introducing harsher measures for patients who violated quarantine rules and stricter quarantine protocols.The chief of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, announced on Monday that health officials were looking into introducing harsher measures for patients who violated quarantine rules and stricter quarantine protocols.
Russia has recorded only two cases of the Covid-19 disease, two Chinese citizens who have been treated and released.Russia has recorded only two cases of the Covid-19 disease, two Chinese citizens who have been treated and released.
However, Russian authorities have confined in hospital hundreds of people who returned from China as a precaution.However, Russian authorities have confined in hospital hundreds of people who returned from China as a precaution.
Russia has also halted most air traffic to China, suspended all trains to China and North Korea, and closed its land border with China and Mongolia.Russia has also halted most air traffic to China, suspended all trains to China and North Korea, and closed its land border with China and Mongolia.
Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, has also said Russia may start deporting foreigners infected with the virus.Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, has also said Russia may start deporting foreigners infected with the virus.
A Russian woman onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan is the first Russian citizen to be diagnosed with the disease.A Russian woman onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan is the first Russian citizen to be diagnosed with the disease.
Here are the latest figures reported by each government’s health authority as of Monday in Beijing, as the number of global cases reaches over 71,000:Here are the latest figures reported by each government’s health authority as of Monday in Beijing, as the number of global cases reaches over 71,000:
Mainland China: 1,770 deaths among 70,548 cases, mostly in the central province of HubeiHong Kong: 58 cases, 1 deathMacao: 10Japan: 519 cases, including 454 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 1 deathSingapore: 77 casesThailand: 35South Korea: 30Malaysia: 22Taiwan: 20 cases, 1 deathVietnam: 16 casesGermany: 16United States: 15 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in ChinaAustralia: 14 casesFrance: 12 cases, 1 deathUnited Kingdom: 9 casesUnited Arab Emirates: 9Canada: 8Philippines: 3 cases, 1 deathIndia: 3 casesItaly: 3Russia: 2Spain: 2Belgium: 1Nepal: 1Sri Lanka: 1Sweden: 1Cambodia: 1Finland: 1Egypt: 1Mainland China: 1,770 deaths among 70,548 cases, mostly in the central province of HubeiHong Kong: 58 cases, 1 deathMacao: 10Japan: 519 cases, including 454 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 1 deathSingapore: 77 casesThailand: 35South Korea: 30Malaysia: 22Taiwan: 20 cases, 1 deathVietnam: 16 casesGermany: 16United States: 15 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in ChinaAustralia: 14 casesFrance: 12 cases, 1 deathUnited Kingdom: 9 casesUnited Arab Emirates: 9Canada: 8Philippines: 3 cases, 1 deathIndia: 3 casesItaly: 3Russia: 2Spain: 2Belgium: 1Nepal: 1Sri Lanka: 1Sweden: 1Cambodia: 1Finland: 1Egypt: 1
Richard Branson has responded to calls for help from those on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, saying Virgin Atlantic is in discussions with the UK government.Richard Branson has responded to calls for help from those on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, saying Virgin Atlantic is in discussions with the UK government.
Previously British passengers David and Sally Abel had made a direct appeal to the British business magnate to help fly them home, after the lack of action from the UK government over evacuation flights.Previously British passengers David and Sally Abel had made a direct appeal to the British business magnate to help fly them home, after the lack of action from the UK government over evacuation flights.
A No 10 spokesman has since confirmed the Foreign Office is in contact with those on the ship to discuss a possible flight home.A No 10 spokesman has since confirmed the Foreign Office is in contact with those on the ship to discuss a possible flight home.
The University of Sussex said its student who was being checked for the Covid-19 coronavirus has tested negative.The University of Sussex said its student who was being checked for the Covid-19 coronavirus has tested negative.
A spokesman said: “Recently a student on our campus was tested and has been informed they do not have coronavirus.A spokesman said: “Recently a student on our campus was tested and has been informed they do not have coronavirus.
“The university is operating as usual and we continue to follow all the advice and guidance from Public Health England.”“The university is operating as usual and we continue to follow all the advice and guidance from Public Health England.”
Jessica Murray here, taking the reins for the rest of the afternoon - feel free to get in touch via @journojess_ on Twitter or jessica.murray@theguardian.com.Jessica Murray here, taking the reins for the rest of the afternoon - feel free to get in touch via @journojess_ on Twitter or jessica.murray@theguardian.com.
A Holiday Inn near Heathrow airport has been closed to the public and designated as a potential coronavirus quarantine centre, the Independent has reported.A Holiday Inn near Heathrow airport has been closed to the public and designated as a potential coronavirus quarantine centre, the Independent has reported.
The Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel hotel, on Bath Road, closed on Saturday and staff were told it would not re-open for bookings until March at the earliest.The Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel hotel, on Bath Road, closed on Saturday and staff were told it would not re-open for bookings until March at the earliest.
The Independent reports that the hotel has been block-booked to be used as a potential quarantine zone for international visitors to the UK who develop coronavirus or for Britons evacuated to the UK from overseas.The Independent reports that the hotel has been block-booked to be used as a potential quarantine zone for international visitors to the UK who develop coronavirus or for Britons evacuated to the UK from overseas.
Guests booked at the Holiday Inn have been transferred to sister hotels.Guests booked at the Holiday Inn have been transferred to sister hotels.
The hotel’s general manager confirmed the hotel had been closed but said there had not been any cases of coronavirus at the hotel.The hotel’s general manager confirmed the hotel had been closed but said there had not been any cases of coronavirus at the hotel.
From one cruise ship to another, the MS Westerdam ship, which eventually docked in Cambodia after being turned away from a number of Asian ports, has sparked some global concerns after a passenger coronavirus case was confirmed.From one cruise ship to another, the MS Westerdam ship, which eventually docked in Cambodia after being turned away from a number of Asian ports, has sparked some global concerns after a passenger coronavirus case was confirmed.
An 83-year-old American woman who was on the ship tested positive for the virus in Malaysia, where she had flown to.An 83-year-old American woman who was on the ship tested positive for the virus in Malaysia, where she had flown to.
Movement of passengers and crew has now stopped, with some in hotels in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, and others still onboard the ship.Movement of passengers and crew has now stopped, with some in hotels in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, and others still onboard the ship.
The American woman was among several hundred passengers who were flown out of Cambodia on Friday and Saturday.The American woman was among several hundred passengers who were flown out of Cambodia on Friday and Saturday.
According to authorities in Malaysia, 143 continued their flights home from that country, while the woman and her 84-year-old husband, who was diagnosed with pneumonia, remained behind for treatment.According to authorities in Malaysia, 143 continued their flights home from that country, while the woman and her 84-year-old husband, who was diagnosed with pneumonia, remained behind for treatment.
The dispersal around the world of passengers from the ship with possible exposure to the virus has sparked concern.The dispersal around the world of passengers from the ship with possible exposure to the virus has sparked concern.
“I think now, given that there is a confirmed case that is suspected to have acquired infection on board the ship, the other passengers should be asked to quarantine themselves at home and alert health authorities if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms within the 14 days since disembarkation,” said Prof Benjamin Cowling, from the School of Public Health at Hong Kong University.“I think now, given that there is a confirmed case that is suspected to have acquired infection on board the ship, the other passengers should be asked to quarantine themselves at home and alert health authorities if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms within the 14 days since disembarkation,” said Prof Benjamin Cowling, from the School of Public Health at Hong Kong University.
At this time, no other guests or crew onboard or at the hotel have reported any symptoms of the illness.At this time, no other guests or crew onboard or at the hotel have reported any symptoms of the illness.
Guests who have already returned home will be contacted by their local health department and provided further information, the ship’s operator said.Guests who have already returned home will be contacted by their local health department and provided further information, the ship’s operator said.
Several Westerdam passengers have already returned home and spoken to the media.Several Westerdam passengers have already returned home and spoken to the media.
Two Canadians who returned via Vancouver international airport were asked to put on protective face masks on arrival but were not otherwise isolated, Canada’s CBC News reported.Hansen, from Surrey, British Columbia, told CBC that he did not hear about the American woman in Malaysia with the virus until he landed in Vancouver on Sunday. He said:Two Canadians who returned via Vancouver international airport were asked to put on protective face masks on arrival but were not otherwise isolated, Canada’s CBC News reported.Hansen, from Surrey, British Columbia, told CBC that he did not hear about the American woman in Malaysia with the virus until he landed in Vancouver on Sunday. He said:
Cambodia’s government had originally earned kudos from the head of the World Health Organization for allowing the ship to dock, after it was turned away by Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Guam and Thailand.Cambodia’s government had originally earned kudos from the head of the World Health Organization for allowing the ship to dock, after it was turned away by Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Guam and Thailand.
However, Cambodia’s handling of the ship’s passengers has since been criticised on social media, though it also has got some support.However, Cambodia’s handling of the ship’s passengers has since been criticised on social media, though it also has got some support.
“I think it would not be appropriate to keep passengers on the ship for 14 days, as it could be a high-risk environment,” said Cowling.“I think it would not be appropriate to keep passengers on the ship for 14 days, as it could be a high-risk environment,” said Cowling.
“We have seen the consequences of holding passengers on a cruise ship with the Diamond Princess outbreak,” he said, referring to the cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, which now has hundreds of coronavirus cases.“We have seen the consequences of holding passengers on a cruise ship with the Diamond Princess outbreak,” he said, referring to the cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, which now has hundreds of coronavirus cases.
The UK joins a growing number of countries considering repatriating citizens on the Diamond Princess.The UK joins a growing number of countries considering repatriating citizens on the Diamond Princess.
Israel’s ministry of health has said it is preparing to evacuate several Israelis from the ship back to the country.Israel’s ministry of health has said it is preparing to evacuate several Israelis from the ship back to the country.
In a statement, the ministry said three Israelis on the cruise ship had tested positive for coronavirus and would remain in Japan. However, the ministry added it was contacting insurance companies of the remaining 12 Israeli nationals onboard to have them flown back via a special direct flight.In a statement, the ministry said three Israelis on the cruise ship had tested positive for coronavirus and would remain in Japan. However, the ministry added it was contacting insurance companies of the remaining 12 Israeli nationals onboard to have them flown back via a special direct flight.
“Upon returning they will enter home quarantine and undergo medical follow-up tests,” it said.“Upon returning they will enter home quarantine and undergo medical follow-up tests,” it said.
Foreign Office ministers are looking at chartering another flight to repatriate some or all of the 74 Britons on board the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship hit by 454 cases of coronavirus.Foreign Office ministers are looking at chartering another flight to repatriate some or all of the 74 Britons on board the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship hit by 454 cases of coronavirus.
“We sympathise with all those caught up in this extremely difficult situation,” Boris Johnson’s deputy official spokesman said.“We sympathise with all those caught up in this extremely difficult situation,” Boris Johnson’s deputy official spokesman said.
“The Foreign Office is in contact with all British people on the Diamond Princess, including to establish interest in a possible repatriation flight.“The Foreign Office is in contact with all British people on the Diamond Princess, including to establish interest in a possible repatriation flight.
“We are urgently considering all options to guarantee the health and safety of those on board.”“We are urgently considering all options to guarantee the health and safety of those on board.”
Here are the latest developments:Here are the latest developments:
Of the 300 US citizens and family members evacuated by plane from a quarantined ship in Japan, 14 have tested positive for coronavirus, the US state department said on Monday.Of the 300 US citizens and family members evacuated by plane from a quarantined ship in Japan, 14 have tested positive for coronavirus, the US state department said on Monday.
Japanese officials have confirmed a further 99 people have been infected by the new coronavirus onboard the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess, bringing the total to 45.Japanese officials have confirmed a further 99 people have been infected by the new coronavirus onboard the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess, bringing the total to 45.
A Russian woman who was onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner docked in Yokohama, Japan, has tested positive for coronavirus, the Russian embassy in Japan said on Monday.A Russian woman who was onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner docked in Yokohama, Japan, has tested positive for coronavirus, the Russian embassy in Japan said on Monday.
Boris Johnson’s spokesperson confirmed the government was in contact with the 74 Britons on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship.Boris Johnson’s spokesperson confirmed the government was in contact with the 74 Britons on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
China’s parliament and its top political consultative body are both considering delaying annual meetings set for March. The standing committee of the parliament will meet on 24 February to deliberate the postponement, Reuters reports.China’s parliament and its top political consultative body are both considering delaying annual meetings set for March. The standing committee of the parliament will meet on 24 February to deliberate the postponement, Reuters reports.
The Tokyo Marathon will be closed to all but elite runners. Organisers said the 38,000 general participants who signed up for the race on 1 March will not be allowed to compete, a person with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.The Tokyo Marathon will be closed to all but elite runners. Organisers said the 38,000 general participants who signed up for the race on 1 March will not be allowed to compete, a person with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.
Boris Johnson’s spokesperson confirmed the UK government was in contact with the 74 Britons on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The government is trying to gauge interest in the possible repatriation of the Britons stuck onboard, Reuters reports.Boris Johnson’s spokesperson confirmed the UK government was in contact with the 74 Britons on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The government is trying to gauge interest in the possible repatriation of the Britons stuck onboard, Reuters reports.
The US has evacuated 300 of its citizens and family members by plane from the quarantined ship in Japan. The state department said 14 Americans among those evacuated had tested positive for the new coronavirus.The US has evacuated 300 of its citizens and family members by plane from the quarantined ship in Japan. The state department said 14 Americans among those evacuated had tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Here’s some more information on the possible delay of China’s annual meetings set for March.Here’s some more information on the possible delay of China’s annual meetings set for March.
The meetings of the parliament, or National People’s Congress (NPC), and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were both due to begin early next month. But both China’s parliament and its top political consultative body are both considering delaying annual meetings set for March, state media said on Monday.The meetings of the parliament, or National People’s Congress (NPC), and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were both due to begin early next month. But both China’s parliament and its top political consultative body are both considering delaying annual meetings set for March, state media said on Monday.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports: