Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli attend the opening meeting of the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The Belt and Road Initiative is advancing steadily, bringing investment and jobs to participating countries, a spokesman for the annual session of China's top political advisory body said Thursday.

Having made headlines at the Davos World Economic Forum with his vigorous defense of globalization, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to take the spotlight in another gathering with global influence: the "two sessions" in Beijing.

Private investment is among the hot topics to be discussed by Chinese political advisors as they meet in Beijing for the top advisory body's annual session, which opens Friday afternoon.

China values freedom and safety of navigation in the South China Sea more than any other country, a spokesman for the top political advisory body said yesterday.