Top legislator Wu Bangguo, while talking with lawmakers from the Fujian Province delegation who were deliberating his Saturday's work report of the 10th NPC Standing Committee, pledged to make greater efforts to improve the committee's work with the oversight of NPC deputies.

Wu Bangguo (L front), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, listens as a deputy to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from southeast China's Fujian Province sings a song for him in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2008.

"We must hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, unswervingly pursue the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics... in a bid to uphold and improve the system of people's congresses and do a good job in this regard under new circumstances," Wu said.

Premier Wen Jiabao, who joined deputies from the northeastern Jilin Province, said northeast China should fully exploit its advantages to boost the manufacturing sector, particularly the production of heavy equipment.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R) meets with deputies to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from northeast China's Jilin Province in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2008.

Rejuvenation of the old industrial base is not a short-term mission, Wen said. "Our ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable development, which demands energy conservation, ecological recovery and environmental protection."

He said Jilin Province, which boasts rich natural and ecological resources, should take the lead in environmental protection by preserving well the resources and ecology of the Changbai Mountains, stepping up pollution control along the Songhua River and protecting its soil, forests, grassland, wild animals and wetlands. "All these are valuable assets of Jilin, and advantages for its development."