New | Bring your own toothbrush: Austerity drive seen in the little details at NPC, CPPCC talks

Not a drop of tea or water wasted, paper use kept at a minimum and banquets served without fanfare

Attendants pour water for tea at the opening session of the National Peoples Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: EPA

Signs that the Chinese government’s fight against excess is in full force could not be escaped at this year’s toned-down Chinese parliamentary meetings.

Some delegates were asked by organisers to bring their own toothbrushes, slippers and daily necessities instead of relying on hotel accoutrements. Many delegations from the provinces and cities chose to forgo chartered flights and travelled coach or by train to Beijing.

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