The first press conference of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on November 7 saw more foreigner journalists in attendance and granted more opportunities for questions than previous sessions.  

The change not only reflects the growing interest in China around the world, but an unprecedented openness and confidence from the Chinese leadership. 

A total 1,704 foreign reporters were invited to attend the first press conference of the 18th CPC National Congress, compared to the 1,146 who covered the 17th Party Congress and less than 700 a decade earlier.

However unlike previous CPC National Congresses where media outlets were dealt up to five invitations for reporters, this year the Congress only gave out one invitation each.

"Too many journalists were willing to come," said a media center spokesman.

Another change at the Congress was allowing for nine questions from journalists during its first press conference. Only seven and five were granted at the past two Congresses respectively.

Cai Mingzhao, spokesman for the 18th Party Congress, fielded questions on China's economy, diplomacy, cross-Straits relations and income distribution reform. 

Among the nine opportunities, three were given to foreign reporters from the US, Russia and Singapore.

These two changes suggest that the world is eager to better understand China and the Communist Party of China, which boasts the most membership of any political party in the world.

China has jumped to the second largest economy in the past 10 years and is becoming an important engine in the recovery of the global economy, as well as a stronger voice in international affairs. 

"China's emergence as an economic powerhouse means that what happens in its domestic politics has the potential to shape economic policy, which in turn has global implications," published US news outlet cnbc.com.

This edited article first appeared in the Hong Kong-based Takungpao on November 8.