BEIJING - The 13th National Women's Congress opened on Monday in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People.

Leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state, including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Li Xi, attended the event to extend their congratulations.

Ding Xuexiang delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Around 1,800 delegates to the congress, along with 90 specially invited delegates from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs), attended the congress.

At 10 am, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other leaders entered the venue to enthusiastic applause.

Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive chairperson of the presidium of the congress, announced the opening of the congress.

Ding Xuexiang, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech, congratulating on the congress and extending warm greetings to women and people working for women's development across the country as well as to female compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao SARs and in Taiwan, and overseas Chinese women.

In his speech, Ding highlighted the tremendous contributions of Chinese women since the 12th National Women's Congress.

He noted their perseverance and hard work in poverty alleviation, their pursuit of excellence in scientific and technological innovation, their bravery in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, their proactive roles in families and communities, their dedication to ensuring law and order, and their outstanding performance in sports arenas.

"Women's pivotal role in society has been fully demonstrated, and comprehensive progress has been made in women's development," Ding said.

Ding called on women across the country to demonstrate their responsibilities on the new journey. Women's federations at all levels must unswervingly follow the Chinese socialist development path of people's organizations and pool strength and wisdom for the Party's cause, he said.

Xu Liuping, secretary of the leading Party members group of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), extended congratulations to the congress on behalf of the ACFTU and other people's organizations.

Huang Xiaowei, executive chairperson of the presidium of the congress, delivered a report on behalf of the 12th Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF).

A draft amendment to the ACWF constitution was submitted to the delegates for deliberation.

Also in attendance were leading officials from the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the CPPCC, and the Central Military Commission.