Talking points
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Premier Li Keqiang will hold a press conference in Beijing following the close of the annual National People's Congress session. This gives local and foreign journalists a once in a year opportunity to question Li on matters affecting China. Earlier, the 3,000 NPC delegates will vote on various work reports, including the main one delivered by Li at the opening session of the congress on March 5.
The central government will release the latest retail sales, output and fixed-asset investment figures. These will give further indications about whether the economy is slowing. Both exports and inflation slumped last month. Premier Li Keqiang announced in his work report to the National People's Congress that this year's growth target was 7.5 per cent, slightly down on the figure of 7.7 per cent recorded last year.
The Vatican is marking the first anniversary of the election of Argentine cleric Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Francis. It is marking the event with commemorative stamps and coins and a DVD with never-before-seen footage of the pope, who has told the media that he is not happy with the myth-making that is growing up around him. Pope Francis - the first pontiff from the Americas - took over from Benedict XVI, who stepped down in February last year for health reasons.
The MTR Corporation will brief the media on the construction of the new link between Sha tin and Central. The new line will actually run from Tai Wai to Admiralty via Kai Tak and Hung Hom. The section to Hung Hom is expected to be completed in 2018, and to Admiralty in 2020. The government is funding the HK$65 billion cost of the project, which will be operated by the MTR.
The High Court in London holds a judicial review into the exhumation licence for King Richard III. The University of Leicester will argue for the legality of the licence, which gives it control over Richard III's recently discovered remains, including his skull. However, an alliance representing those claiming to be related to Richard III is challenging the validity of the licence. The body will be re-interred at Leicester Cathedral.
Sotheby's hosts a press conference in Hong Kong to announce details of its 20th century Chinese art spring sale. On offer will be 200 lots estimated to be worth more than HK$240 million. Leading the sale - which will take place next month - will be a 1950s painting called by artist Sanyu. Poly Auction Hong Kong will also unveil details of its spring auction.
