China opened its rubber-stamp parliament earlier today, with outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao bowing out after 10 years on the job.

The National People's Congress, running alongside the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee will usher in a new generation of leaders.

Premier Wen Jiabao, along with president Hu Jintao, will be replaced by Li Keqiang and Xi Jinping respectively.

Before stepping down, Wen Jiabao warned against multiple problems facing the new leaders. He singled out environmental pollution, something that has weighed on the Chinese public in recent weeks.

[Wen Jiabao, Outgoing Chinese Premier]:
"We should resolutely solve problems of serious air, water and soil pollution that affect people's vital interests, improve environmental quality, safeguard people's health, and give people hope through our concrete action."

Wen also delivered a warning for China's economy, as he set out a modest growth target.

[Wen Jiabao, Outgoing Chinese Premier]:
"This year's economic growth target of around 7.5 per cent is necessary and appropriate, and we need to work hard to achieve it."

Outside the conference hall security is tight.

A growing gap between rich and poor as well as high level official corruption have led to widespread dissatisfaction with Communist rule in China.

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