Chinese leaders join lawmakers in panel discussions (2/5)

Zhang Dejiang (3rd L), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, joins a panel discussion of deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) from east China's Zhejiang Province, in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2014. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang and other leaders on Wednesday joined the country's lawmakers in panel discussions at the ongoing annual parliamentary session.

Zhang called on lawmakers to turn the country's reform blueprints into reality with confidence and pragmatic spirit.

"We should strengthen our confidence in reform and realize that it is the only way out," said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), while joining discussion with deputies from east China's Zhejiang Province.

Calling 2014 "a year of reform," Zhang urged the legislators to work with a down-to-earth spirit and put great importance on the implementation of reform measures.

He also stressed that the fundamental direction for the deepening of reform should be upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.