CPPCC news conference: 10 major issues you should not miss

Wang Guoqing, spokesman for the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, greets the media at a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

The Fourth Session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday where spokesman Wang Guoqing answered questions from foreign and local reporters. Here are some of the highlights. Who is Wang Guoqing?

Ten major issues you should not miss

Air pollution is essentially a problem of development. The fight is one that requires patience and sense. China has made many efforts to clean the air, but more should be done. With concerted efforts, blue skies and white clouds in daytime and sparkling stars at night are not far away.

The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. It should not be used by other countries as a pretext or tool to contain China’s development.

I am sure that the Chinese economy can achieve medium-high growth. Viewed against the backdrop of the performance of international economies, China's 6.9-percent growth in 2015 is outstanding, and the economy is expanding.

China will continue to create a good environment for foreign-funded firms and protect their legal interests instead of altering its policy of attracting foreign investment. I believe China will continue to be the world's popular destination for investment and profit can be made here.

Hong Kong is an open and diversified society, and it is perfectly normal that people with different backgrounds hold different views toward economic, political and social issues. But it is the common aspiration of all Hong Kong people and in the fundamental interests of the city to seek development, stability and harmony.