The 12th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, opened its second annual session  at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5.

Premier Li Keqiang delivered his first government work report to nearly 3,000 deputies at the opening meeting. He pledged to make breakthroughs in reform as the country seeks growth impetus in face of downward pressure on its economy.

Deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) arrive at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5 (XIAO YIJIU)

Deputies to China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC) pay a silent tribute to the victims of the March 1 terrorist attack in southwestern city of Kunming, at the opening meeting of the second session of the 12th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5 (DING LIN)

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the opening meeting of the second session of the 12th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5 (JU PENG)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers the government work report during the opening meeting of the second session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5 (LI XUEREN)