CHINA’S National People’s Congress ended its annual meeting today with a call for unity and solidarity and a pooling of strength to advance the continued modernisation of the country. 

The closing meeting of the nearly 2,000-member legislature held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was attended by China’s President Xi Jinping and other leaders, such as Prime Minister Li Qiang and NPC standing committee chairman Zhao Leji.

In brief closing remarks Mr Zhao urged the people to unite more closely under the Communist Party’s (CPC) leadership “with comrade Xi at its core.”

The Organic Law of the State Council was revised for the first time since its adoption in 1982. 

The revision calls for the State Council to “uphold the leadership of the CPC.” It also adds the governor of China’s central bank to the body.

Resolutions on the work of the NPC included decisions on how proposals from political advisers had been handled since the last Congress and a report on the examination of new proposals were all approved.

The NPC also adopted measures to ensure national security and social stability for workers as the Congress recognised the challenging economic times facing the country. 

Congress national committee chairman Wang Huning congratulated the CPC central committee on its leadership of the party and the nation and called on the entire nation to work hard to achieve the main goals for economic and social development.

The NPC confirmed the priorities of innovation and self-reliance in technology, particularly as the United States and its allies continue to place arbitrary economic, trade and financial sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the establishment of the Congress. 

Mr Wang said that over the past 75 years, the Congress, under the leadership of the CPC, has “traversed a glorious course in its efforts toward founding and developing the PRC, exploring the path of reform,and realising the Chinese Dream.”

Mr Wang said that it was important for the Congress to “enhance its capacity for political consultation, democratic oversight, and participation in and deliberation of state affairs” and called for “dedication, responsibility and commitment in the journey toward Chinese modernisation.”

Mr Wang urged political advisers to strive in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and “advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.”