3rd session of 13th NPC to open in May

China will start its most important annual political event – the plenary session of the National People's Congress – on May 22 in Beijing, according to a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Wednesday morning.

The decision on the opening date of the third plenary session of the 13th NPC was adopted at the bimonthly meeting of the NPC Standing Committee.

The NPC customarily kicks off its plenary meeting on March 5 every year, but this year's meeting was postponed due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

During the meeting, about 3,000 national legislators from various walks of life gather in Beijing to review work reports from the central government, as well as the country's highest court and procuratorate, the budget and the national economic and social development plan.

In some years, NPC deputies also deliberate on key bills or elect State leaders.