2018年CRI NPC spokesman defends Belt and Road Initiative（在线收听）

The 2018 session of China's top legislature is set to open later this morning.

At a press conference on Sunday, the spokesman for the first session of the 13th National People's Congress talked about the important tasks facing legislators over the coming days, including making amendments to China's Constitution.

With more on this story, here's CRI's Wen Jie.

China's current Constitution was first adopted in 1982. The changes proposed this year are the fifth time that the Constitution has been amended, with the last changes made by the 10th NPC back in March 2004.

NPC spokesperson Zhang Yesui said that it is important to revise the Constitution so that it continues to meet the needs of the country.

"It is necessary to appropriately amend the Constitution to incorporate major theoretical, practical and institutional achievements made by the Party and the people, thus giving better play to the Constitution's critical role in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era," said Zhang.

In other comments, Zhang rebutted recent claims that the Belt and Road Initiative is just a geo-strategic tool.

He said that since it was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative has helped improve infrastructure connectivity and international collaboration.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is guided by the principle of pursuing shared benefits through consultation and collaboration. All participants are equal partners in this process. It is an open and inclusive platform. It doesn't exclude or target any country, it is open to all those who are interested," said Zhang.

Zhang said that China has made a significant contribution to global economic growth, and that the country's ongoing development will benefit global prosperity and stability.

He also dismissed suggestions that China is seeking to overturn or replace the current international order, saying that China will continue to adhere to its path of peaceful development.

"China will follow its own path, and will not ask other countries to copy the Chinese practice either. Of course, if some countries are interested in learning China's development experience and practice, we're ready to talk with them and share our experience. But we will not impose anything on others," said Zhang.

In response to recent statements from the Trump administration regarding a so-called "trade war", Zhang said that cooperation is the only correct path for both sides, but that China will take necessary measures if U.S. moves hurt its national interests.

This year's NPC session has even greater significance and will last longer than usual because of increased items on the agenda.

Besides the revision of proposals to the country's Constitution, the election of new state leaders as well as deliberations on structural reforms for both Party and state institutions will also dominate the agenda.