Wang Guoqing, spokesman for the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, greets the media at a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

The Fourth Session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday where spokesman Wang Guoqing answered questions from foreign and local reporters. Here are some of the highlights.

Ten major issues you should not miss

About smog

Air pollution is essentially a problem of development. The fight is one that requires patience and sense. China has made many efforts to clean the air, but more should be done. With concerted efforts, blue skies and white clouds in daytime and sparkling stars at night are not far away.

About South China Sea

The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. It should not be used by other countries as a pretext or tool to contain China’s development.

About Chinese economy

I am sure that the Chinese economy can achieve medium-high growth. Viewed against the backdrop of the performance of international economies, China's 6.9-percent growth in 2015 is outstanding, and the economy is expanding.

About foreign investment

China will continue to create a good environment for foreign-funded firms and protect their legal interests instead of altering its policy of attracting foreign investment. I believe China will continue to be the world's popular destination for investment and profit can be made here.

About Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an open and diversified society, and it is perfectly normal that people with different backgrounds hold different views toward economic, political and social issues. But it is the common aspiration of all Hong Kong people and in the fundamental interests of the city to seek development, stability and harmony.

We firmly oppose illegal and even violent actions taken by a small number of people to mess things up in Hong Kong and sabotage cooperation and exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity is an overarching mission of the "one country, two systems" principle, and an important part of the Chinese Dream.

About anti-corruption

The central government will continue to fight corruption and keep a high-handed posture against corruption so as to bring people more sense of gain.

About international cooperation

In the face of sluggish global economic recovery, nations should cooperate to work toward common interests. Exports of Chinese equipment and production capacity will not only help China tackle downward pressure but also serve as a boon for importers to prop up growth and increase employment. After decades of rapid economic advancement, China has developed huge capacity in producing iron and steel, which are urgently needed in many less-developed economies.

About blacklisted tourists

It remains an arduous task to make China, especially a developing and changing China, understood by the world. China is like a thick book and each individual is a page of it. I am of the view that each and every Chinese citizen should be more responsible for more active about and capable of telling stories about China.

About private business

A sound environment should be created to protect entrepreneurs' property rights and returns on innovation.

About employment

I think job losses among some employees are a temporary phenomenon, said Wang.