We begin here in Beijing, where China's annual "Two Sessions" are underway. Every evening, at this time, we'll look back at the day's political events bringing you the most important developments. Today we'll focus on the National People's Congress which starts tomorrow. The NPC held a press conference earlier today, covering key issues to be discussed over the next two weeks. Here's more from the NP-C press conference.

NPC spokesperson Zhang Yesui made his debut on Sunday after being elected at a preparatory meeting. He briefed the media on the events that will take place at this year's session. The first session of the 13th National People's Congress will last for 15 and a-half days. That includes deliberating on the government work report, deliberating on the draft amendment to the Constitution and the draft supervision law, and electing and appointing officials. Zhang said that for the first time at an NPC session, a ceremony will be held in which elected officials will take an oath and pledge allegiance to the Constitution.

After the briefing, it was time for questions. One prominent topic was the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

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."

Zhang also responded to questions on tax reforms, development, the Korean Peninsula issue, the Belt and Road initiative and efforts to cut pollution. Zhang is a former Chinese ambassador to the United States, and Zhang addressed the China-US relationship.

ZHANG YESUI NPC SPOKESPERSON "I truly believe there are far more common interests between us than differences, and cooperation is the only right option for both countries. Let me first talk about the economic and trade relations between China and the US. Such trade and economic relations are mutually beneficial by nature. For such a big relationship, it is natural that there are some frictions. China doesn't want a trade war with the US, but if the US takes actions to hurt China's interest, China will take necessary measures."

On the increase in China's defense budget, Zhang said growth in spending has been in line with China's economic growth and defense needs. And on the proposed new anti-corruption body and draft supervision law, Zhang said the system will have far-reaching implications in unifying the party against corruption and modernizing the system of governance.