Big questions that went unasked at Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s press conference

China’s Premier Li Keqiang addressed many issues during his wide-ranging press conference as he took questions from journalists at the end of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on Wednesday. But the questions asked in the two-hour-long session did not touch on some major topics of concern to the public. Here are some of the notable absences.

Environment

Over the past three years since he became premier, Li Keqiang has always answered a question on China’s efforts to curb pollution, but the topic was not mentioned during Thursday’s press conference.

READ MORE: China will use ‘iron fist’ against pollution, Premier Li Keqiang vows

Property market

Premier Li highlighted the importance of reducing financial risks in the economy while answering his first question at the briefing and elaborated on economic development, but did not directly mention this major issue concerning the mainland public as property prices soar in the country’s biggest cities.

READ MORE: China not headed for Japan-style property bust, says minister

It was also the first time the property market was not asked in his annual press conference since he became premier. The issue of turbulent trading on China’s stock markets was also not raised.

State enterprise reform

Li answered questions about economic reform and highlighted the importance of revitalising the economy through streamlining bureaucracy and reducing taxes, but the elephant in the room - how to reform China’s ailing state enterprises - was not mentioned.

READ MORE: China wants to see results from reform of state firms by 2020