Overseas media are closely watching the two annual sessions of China's top legislative body and top political advisory body, particularly eyeing the meetings' additional measures to stimulate the economy and maintain social stability.

The US-based Associated Press (AP) said the two sessions are "the first for China since the worldwide financial meltdown started last year."

"Both are widely expected to yield further measures to stimulate the economy," the AP said.

The AP cited Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), as saying "the meeting would focus 'on hot and thorny issues' such as employment, the social safety net, education and environmental protection."

The British news agency Reuters said: "The economy, and maintaining social stability, are at the top of the agenda of China's annual parliament which begins this week."

Reuters' report also quoted Jia as saying "We must face the complex and severe economic situation. We must do everything in our power to resolve issues affecting the well-being of people and promote social harmony and stability."

Meanwhile, the French-based AFP reported that "Both sessions of parliament are set to focus on using a four-trillion-yuan (US$585-billion) government stimulus package announced last year that is aimed at boosting economic growth and maintaining social stability."

Kyodo news service reported that Jia said "A main task is to maintain stable and relatively fast economic growth."

It added that "maintaining economic growth and social stability is an important goal for China, which has important events on its political calendar this year, including the 60th anniversary of the country's founding in October."

Singapore newspaper Lianhe Zaobao said how the Chinese government responds to the ongoing international financial crisis would be a focus.