The first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Special Report: NPC, CPPCC Annual Sessions 2013

The first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)

The military band plays the national anthem during the opening meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Zheng Wei)

Deputies sing the national anthem during the opening meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

The first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)