The 12th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, opened its first annual session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered the Government Work Report at the opening meeting, with nearly 3,000 NPC deputies from across the country in attendance.

The session will end on March 17.

The first annual session of the 12th NPC opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (left in front) delivers the Government Work Report

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers the Government Work Report