DHAKA: China announced a growth target of 7.5% and revealed plans to raise its defence budget by 12.2%, as it opened its annual parliament session in Beijing.

Issues such as targeting corruption and the environment are also on the agenda at the National People`s Congress, reports BBC.

Premier Li Keqiang told delegates the government would "declare war" against pollution and "crack down hard" on terrorism.

The congress also marks one year since Xi Jinping was confirmed as president.

The 10-day meeting of around 3,000 legislators from delegations across China began on Wednesday.

China describes the NPC as the country`s "supreme organ of state power". It has the power to enact and amend legislation. In practice, it is generally considered a rubber stamp for the ruling Communist Party.

BDST: 0946 HRS, MAR 05, 2014