The Wednesday edition of the People's Daily, China's leading newspaper, will carry an editorial hailing the opening of the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), the Chinese parliament.

Nearly 3,000 lawmakers, or NPC deputies, from all corners of the country, are set to meet in the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing on Wednesday morning, kicking start their five-year term in the national legislature. The session will last until March 18.

The editorial says that the First Session of the 11th NPC is convened in a year that is very important to China, thus "assuming great significance" and "shouldering a glorious mission."

The year 2008 is a great year of special significance in the development process of contemporary China, as it is the first year for the implementation of the strategic arrangements made by the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) at its 17th National Congress. The year also marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up drive, and will witness the realization of the Chinese nation's century-old Olympic dream, says the article.

Citing the session agenda, which includes the review of government work, examination and approval of the planning and budget reports, the deliberation of a central government institutional reform plan, and the election of a new state leadership, the editorial predicts that the success of this year's NPC session will have a significant impact on the further advancement of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

According to the editorial, the NPC and its Standing Committee have faithfully fulfilled their duty of legislation and supervision over the past five years, making great contribution to China's reform and opening-up, scientific development and promotion of social harmony.

"Practice has proven that the people's congress system serves the common interest of the broad masses of the people, and is the best way to make the Chinese people true masters of their own country," it says.

It is the CPC's unswerving objective to develop socialist democracy, and the people's congress system, as China's fundamental political system, must be adhered to and further improved in the development of China's socialist political civilization, it adds.

The editorial expresses the belief that all the NPC deputies will live up to the expectations of the people they represent, and work hard to make the session a great success.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2008)