Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on Wednesday met journalists in Beijing after suffering from a respiratory infection.

It was the senior state leader’s first public appearance after he skipped the NPC closing because of illness on Tuesday. His deputy, vice-chairman Li Hongzhong, presided over the ceremony.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Zhao thanked major media representatives for their coverage of the annual legislative session and highlighted their role in presenting a positive outlook on China's economic future.

Vice-chairman Li, and Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party's Central Committee, also attended the meeting with reporters at the Great Hall of the People.

Zhao, the nation's third-ranking official, delivered his work report at a plenary meeting in Beijing last Saturday.