Highlights: China’s top legislature holds press conference ahead of annual session

The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session.

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session scheduled to run from March 5 to 11.

HKSAR’s legislation of Article 23

Lou vowed the NPC’s full support for the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The HKSAR government has recently held a series of briefing and consultation sessions to explain details of the said legislation.

Legislation work fruitful in 2023

The 14th NPC and its Standing Committee produced a fruitful legislative output in 2023, Lou said.

“The legislative planning was completed, and the legislative tasks for the current five-year period were arranged in an integrated manner, with the plan containing 130 items, including 79 category one items and 51 category two items,” said Lou.

High-quality economic development

The 14th NPC and its Standing Committee will provide legal safeguard for sound economic development, focusing on deepening reform, realizing opening up and high-quality development, and improving livelihood, Lou said.

Open cooperation

Open cooperation is the right choice to explore scientific frontiers and promote scientific and technological development, said Lou.

China-U.S.

China urges the U.S. to stop making irresponsible comments and honor its commitments with concrete actions, the spokesperson said.

On the development of China-U.S. ties, Lou stressed that China’s attitude is consistent. China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and pushed for steady, sound and sustainable growth of bilateral relations, he said.