Two sessions postponed due to continuing epidemic

The two sessions - China's biggest annual political event - will be postponed this year due to the novel coronavirus, and the specific time for their rescheduling has not been decided yet, the top legislature and top political advisory body announced on Monday.

The term "two sessions" is shorthand for the annual plenary session of the National People's Congress, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Traditionally, the CPPCC National Committee starts its annual gathering on March 3, and the NPC on March 5. About 3,000 national legislators and around 2,200 national political advisers travel to Beijing for the two sessions.

However, as now is still a crucial time in fighting the novel coronavirus epidemic and many national legislators and political advisors are working on the front lines, it is necessary to delay this year's two sessions, per a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Monday and a decision made by a recent Chairperson's Council meeting of the CPPCC National Committee.

Both bodies said the time the sessions will start this year will be decided at a later date.