On Wednesday, China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, is also to start its annual session in Beijing.

The NPC session comes in the wake of the worst winter weather disaster in 50 years. The government's capacity to deal with weather-related and other national emergencies is a major concern of the NPC deputies.

Ren Jianguo is one of the deputies who just arrived in Beijing.

"I suggest that our country establish a risk management and emergency response system as soon as possible, so that we can deal with natural disasters easily."

Zhu Hanqiao, another deputy, says rural issues are another concern.

"We are trying to shorten the schedule of the rural drinking water safety project from 10 years to five."

Other topics that the deputies will address during the meeting include housing, medical services, education, social security and corruption.