China's premier has hailed the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic under President Xi Jinping's leadership as a success.

Li Keqiang was reporting on the government's activities at the National People's Congress, which opened on Sunday.

Li said the Communist Party's Central Committee with Xi at its core "remained committed to putting the people and their lives above all else and achieved a major, decisive victory in our fight against COVID-19."

Li said China's top leaders have made all-out efforts since the outbreak three years ago to treat infected patients, protect people's lives and health, and adjust its measures as the situation evolved.

To deal with future outbreaks, Li said China will protect people in a more scientific, precise and efficient way. He also said Beijing will work to upgrade vaccines and develop new medicines.

But the premier made no mention of the rapid spread of coronavirus infections across the country in December of last year, which took a heavy toll on lives.

The outbreak came after Beijing eased its strict "zero-COVID" policy that imposed strict restrictions on people's movements.

Security has been tightened around the Great Hall of the People in the capital, Beijing, where the congress is taking place.

On Sunday, armed police officers were seen patrolling, and a number of police vehicles were deployed on the main street leading to the venue.

Authorities also partially sealed off roads near Tiananmen Square facing the venue as well as subway entrances.

Representatives from around the country attending the congress expressed their opinions on the coronavirus and the economy.

A man from the city of Nanjing said he believes China can definitely achieve its economic growth target under the party's leadership.

He added he expects that the coronavirus will be brought under control, and that people will be able to have healthier and happier lives.