Chinese Leaders Join Lawmakers in Group Discussions -- china.org.cn

Wu Bangguo (2nd L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), looks at a map in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2007. Wu Bangguo attended the panel discussion of the deputies of southwest China's Yunnan Province to the Fifth Session of the Tenth National People's Congress on Monday.

China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Monday urged lawmakers to fully implement the Law on Oversight to enhance the supervision over government work.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remark at a group discussion with lawmakers from Yunnan Province during the ongoing fifth session of the Tenth NPC.

He said the NPC should target at key issues and improve the effectiveness of its supervision so as to push the settlement of prevailing problems.

But Wu also said the NPC should handle its relations with the government and judiciary organs properly so that they fulfill their duties independently.

Under the supervision law passed on Aug. 27, 2006, the standing committees of people's congresses at and above the county levels are authorized to repeal any inappropriate decisions or orders issued by same-level governments.

The law also allows NPC standing committees to summon government officials to explain their work and policies.

Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L) attends the panel discussion of the deputies of north China's Henan Province to the Fifth Session of the Tenth National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2007.

At a panel discussion with lawmakers from Henan Province on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the "high importance" of work on problems concerning agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

Wen said agriculture is the foundation of China's national economy and it concerns people's life and social stability.

"If something goes wrong with the economy in the future, it may occur in the agriculture sector, especially grain production," said the premier.

"By no means can we treat the matter lightly," he added.

Wen said dwindling arable land and sown area of winter wheat, and warm winter and prolonged drought brought about adverse impacts on the country's agricultural production this year.

"Therefore, we must seriously implement the policies of the central government to consolidate, improve and intensify supportive measures to agriculture and ensure the smooth operation of spring ploughing and sowing," Wen said.

Li Changchun and Luo Gan, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also joined discussions with lawmakers from Hubei Province and Heilongjiang Province respectively.

Luo Gan (C), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the panel discussion of the deputies of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province to the Fifth Session of the Tenth National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2007.

Li Changchun (3rd R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, attends the panel discussion of the deputies of central China's Hubei Province to the Fifth Session of the Tenth National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2007)