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China set for National People's Congress in Beijing China congress reveals growth target and defence boost
(about 1 hour later)
China is set for its annual parliament session, with issues such as economic growth, targeting corruption and the environment on the agenda. China announced a growth target of 7.5% and revealed plans to raise its defence budget by 12.2%, as it opened its annual parliament session in Beijing.
China is expected to announce its economic growth target at the National People's Congress (NPC). Issues such as targeting corruption and the environment are also on the agenda at the National People's Congress.
While no new laws or legal amendments are expected to be put forward this year, the session will highlight some of the government's 2014 priorities.While no new laws or legal amendments are expected to be put forward this year, the session will highlight some of the government's 2014 priorities.
The congress also marks one year since Xi Jinping was confirmed as president.The congress also marks one year since Xi Jinping was confirmed as president.
The 10-day meeting of around 3,000 legislators from delegations across China begins on Wednesday in Beijing. The 10-day meeting of around 3,000 legislators from delegations across China began on Wednesday.
China describes the NPC as the country's "supreme organ of state power". However, in practice, it is generally considered a rubber stamp for the ruling Communist Party.China describes the NPC as the country's "supreme organ of state power". However, in practice, it is generally considered a rubber stamp for the ruling Communist Party.
Premier Li Keqiang will present a government work report that will highlight targets for China's economy this year, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
The target for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2014, if announced, will be closely watched by analysts for insights into Beijing's economic priorities.
China is also expected to announce its annual official defence budget during the session.
In a press conference on Tuesday, NPC spokeswoman Fu Ying said that China's army was defensive, but warned other countries against damaging "regional peace and the regional order".
"Based on our history and experience, we believe that peace can only be maintained by strength," she said.
Banquets banned
Electoral fraud and environmental protection were key issues for discussion at the congress, Ms Fu said.
In December, Hunan authorities dismissed 56 local lawmakers for being "elected by bribery", in what Ms Fu reportedly described as the worst election fraud in the history of the NPC.
Laws on water and soil pollution are also on the agenda. "We hope we can enact a high-quality and effective environmental protection law," Ms Fu said.
Meanwhile, delegates to the conference have been banned from holding banquets.
It is the latest in a series of moves to curb official corruption. Mr Xi has launched a high-profile crackdown against corruption since coming to power.
Security at the congress is expected to be tight after a mass stabbing attack at a railway station in Kunming, south-west China.Security at the congress is expected to be tight after a mass stabbing attack at a railway station in Kunming, south-west China.
Eight attackers stabbed people at the station at random on Saturday, killing 29 and wounding more than 130.Eight attackers stabbed people at the station at random on Saturday, killing 29 and wounding more than 130.
Officials have blamed separatists from Xinjiang - which is home to the Muslim Uighur minority - for the attack.Officials have blamed separatists from Xinjiang - which is home to the Muslim Uighur minority - for the attack.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ms Fu said: "Terrorism does not have national boundaries. We wish and expect that our efforts to crack down on terrorism will gain international understanding and support in the future."
On Tuesday, the US State Department described the attack as "an act of terrorism", after Chinese state-run media accused Washington of double standards for its initial reluctance to use the phrase.