Security issues are being addressed at this year's 'lianghui' sessions.

Xinjiang Party chief Zhang Chunxian, speaking on the sidelines of this year's political sessions, says a lot of headway is being made on ensuring the northwestern Chinese region remains both safe and growing, economically.

"In the last year economic development, religious administration, ethnic unity and other aspects of society have experienced positive and pleasant developments. In general terms, maintaining the stability has not been an exception. Stability has improved. Violent terrorist incidents have dropped significantly. Our ability to prevent, combat, and deal with them has continued to increase."

Xinjiang has witnessed a number of terrorist attacks over the past few years by members of the outlawed East Turkistan Islamic Movement.

The group is considered responsible for a number of other attacks outside Xinjiang, including a deadly attack on the main train station in Yunnan's capital, Kunming, which left 29 dead and over 140 others wounded.