The first session of the 13th National People's Congress has held its very first press conference. The new NPC spokesperson answered questions ranging from China's defense budget to institutional reform. Hou Na reports from the Great Hall of the People.

A stunning debut by the NPC's new spokesperson. Senior diplomat Zhang Yesui handled his new role well. The first topic, the amendment to the constitution. Zhang explained the timing of the move and how the constitution will be amended.

ZHANG YESUI NPC SPOKESPERSON "For the constitution to better play its critical role, appropriate changes need to be made. So that the innovative achievement that the Party and people have made in terms of theories, practices and institution building will be incorporated into the constitution."

He answered a total of eleven questions from the media. One topic that stood out, China's defense budget growth.

ZHANG YESUI NPC SPOKESPERSON "If we take a look at the share of China's defense budget in China's GDP, or in China's national fiscal funding, and also in per capita terms, we can see that China's defense input is still lower than major countries. China is committed to a path of peaceful development and China pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature. China's development will not pose a threat to other countries."

Though Zhang didn't give specific figures, he said China's defense budget in recent years has been in line with the country's economic development and defense needs. When asked about China's new anti-corruption body, he said the National Supervisory Commission is one with distinctive Chinese features.

ZHANG YESUI NPC SPOKESPERSON "The national supervision commission is the body to fight against corruption with distinct Chinese features. The commission and the central commission on discipline inspection will share the same office and they will fulfill the duties of discipline inspection and supervision."

Zhang also talked about China's legislative plans for 2018. Over twenty laws and amendments will be drafted. The spokesperson also answered questions on China-US relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

HOU NA BEIJING "China is trying to strike a balance between domestic civil needs and effective defense. HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING."