China’s National People’s Congress opened its historic session in Great Hall of the People in Beijing today where constitutional amendment to scrap the two-term limit for the president was presented.

Radio Pakistan’s special correspondent Javed Khan Jadoon reports from Beijing that the amendment lifting two term limit would allow Xi Jinping to stay on as president beyond 2023 when his second term is due to end. He will also remain party chief, head of the powerful military commission.

Thousands of legislators who were present in the Great Hall of the People applauded when the proposed amendment was read out. The deputies will debate the amendment and they are expected to pass it on the 11th of this month.

National People’s Congress will also vote on constitutional amendments that will inscribe Xi's name in the state constitution as “Xi Jinping Thought On Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era” and create a new national anti-corruption agency.

Earlier Premier Li Keqiang presented an annual government work-report listing achievements of the government.  He said an economic growth target of around 6.5 percent for 2018 has been set, in line with expectations but lower than the 7.1 percent GDP increase in 2017.

An 8.1 percent increase for the defence budget has been announced taking it to 175 billion dollars for 2018 giving the world's largest armed forces a boost.

He informed the legislators that China’s share in the global economy grew by roughly 15 percent. He said more than 68 million people have been lifted out of poverty and personal income has increased by an annual average of 7.4 percent creating the world' s largest middle-income group.

Premier Li informed the top advisory body that more than 66 million new urban jobs have been added. He said over eleven million new urban jobs would be created in the current year.

Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing would continue to advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Premier Li said China is committed to acting upon the outcomes of the Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation. He said we would work towards building major international corridors and deepen cooperation. China Pakistan Economic Corridor is also part of the Belt and Road Initiative.