China's National People's Congress holds closing session

On the morning of March 17, the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) of China held its closing session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with the participation of 2,959 delegates, chaired by the new Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhang Dejiang.

The conference voted to pass a number of important draft resolutions.

Speaking at the closing session, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping promised to faithfully perform the duties assigned by the Constitution, be loyal to the motherland and the people, strictly abide by his position, be devoted to his work, serve the people, strive for the motherland, voluntarily accept the supervision of the people, and never betray the trust and entrustment of the delegates and people of all ethnic groups across the country.

Panorama of the closing ceremony of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress of China. (Source: THX/TTXVN)

Xi stressed the need to adhere to the organic unity of the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people being the masters and governing the country according to law, upholding the people's status as the main body, expanding people's democracy, upholding and perfecting the basic political system of the people's congress system, and building a service-oriented government, a responsible government, a government under the rule of law, and a clean government.

Referring to Hong Kong and Macau, the new Chinese President said that the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong and Macau should be taken as the top priority, and together we should protect and promote the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and Macau. Regarding the Taiwan issue, Xi Jinping called on the people of the mainland and the people of Taiwan to join hands, support, protect and promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, increase the welfare of compatriots on both sides, and together create a new future for the Chinese nation.

Regarding foreign affairs, the new Chinese President emphasized that China will hold high the banner of peace, development, and cooperation, consistently follow the path of peaceful development, pursue a strategy of openness and mutual benefit, strive to develop friendly cooperation with countries around the world, fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations, and continue to work with people of all countries to promote the noble cause of peaceful development of mankind.

Thus, after nearly two weeks of work (from March 5-17), the first session of the 12th NPC officially closed.

This year's session considered and approved many important issues that have a profound impact on China's economic, political, social, security, defense, and diplomatic life, notably approving the plan to reform the apparatus and transform the functions of the State Council; deciding and electing key leadership positions of the National Assembly and the State, such as the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the National Assembly; the President and Vice President; the Premier and Vice Premiers; the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission, State Councilors, Ministers of Ministries, Directors of State Committees, and many other important positions.

At a press conference after the closing session, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the government will abide by the law, respect the people and strive to fulfill its obligations to the country. According to the new Chinese Premier, the government's three top tasks are to maintain economic growth, improve people's lives and protect social justice./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT