China conference closes

ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION

The annual session of China's top advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, closed on Tuesday (March 13) at a ceremony attended by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

More than 2, 000 delegates representing interests from science to sport and religion took part in the meeting which ended with the Chinese national anthem.

The conference voted on a draft resolution on the CPPCC Standing Committee's work report delivered at the start of the session last week, although some delegates said they had hoped to see more discussion on political reform.

This year's session was the last before a leadership transition process due to start later in the year which is expected to usher in the current Vice President, Xi Jinping, as the country's next president.

Analysts said they expected little real political or economic reform until the sensitive transition process is completed next year.

The CPPCC gathering runs parallel to the country's annual parliament session which closes on Wednesday (March 14).