Xi's diplomatic calendar derailed as parliament set for delay

Coronavirus fight pushes back work on Japan visit and economic goals

Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured here welcoming Suriname's president last November, has had his carefully formed diplomatic schedule thrown off by the coronavirus outbreak. © Reuters

TSUKASA HADANO and KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei staff writers

February 17, 2020 17:20 JST

Updated on February 18, 2020 00:25 JST

BEIJING/NEW YORK -- China's top leadership will deliberate delaying next month's annual legislative session to focus on containing the deadly coronavirus outbreak, a rare move that would hold up Beijing's policy-making agenda.

The National People's Congress Standing Committee will meet Feb. 24 to debate the postponement, state news agency Xinhua reported Monday. If the delay is approved, it will have a ripple effect on upcoming economic and diplomatic events, such as President Xi Jinping's planned April visit to Japan.