Domestic and foreign media are closely following the ongoing sessions of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Major global news agencies, including Associated Press (AP), Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP), among others, have run dozens of stories about the two congresses.

Media focus during the past week was mostly on Premier Wen Jiabao's government report.

AP highlighted China's plans to reform the ministry system and Wen's promise of "a renewed push to rein in an investment boom in industries".

AFP focused on the country's top leader selection, quoting "more non-Communists will be given top Chinese government posts following last year's appointment of the first minister from outside the party".

Reuters wrote about Wen's pledge of "reunification of the two sides" in his government report. He was quoted as saying "Taiwan's pro-independence activities were doomed to fail".

"Wen extended Taiwan an olive branch, renewing an offer to enter into negotiations", Reuters reported.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency focused on China's growth rate.

"There is a need to ensure food safety and set a target to achieve safety standards for 7,700 types of food, medicine and consumer goods," the agency reported.

South Korea's Herald Business highlighted the significance of the two meetings since they were being held as the country marked the 30th anniversary of its reform and opening up. It was also the first such gatherings after the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October.

All of China's major newspapers have been following the two sessions closely.

The People's Daily, the voice of the Communist Party of China (CPC), published editorials saying the "CPPCC conference is of great significance for further conglomerating the wisdom of the Chinese people, promoting development in a scientific way, and pushing forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics".

The China Daily, a major English-language newspaper, hailed the transparency of this year's sessions, saying "Transparency is an essential precondition for validity and success". The newspaper also listed highlights of Wen's work report, setting aside columns to give readers brief views entitled "Follow a prudent fiscal policy and a tight monetary policy; GDP growth of about 8 percent; Hold rise in CPI to around 4.8 percent; Complete and update more than 7,700 national standards for the safety of food products, drugs and other consumer goods".

The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post has regularly updated its website with information from the two sessions, continually quoting highlights from media reports. The site also has a special column devoted to hot issues ranging from energy regulations, security activities, graft and labor laws.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2008)