Chinese premier vows firm crackdown on terrorism

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers the government work report during the opening meeting of the second session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2014. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in southwestern Chinese city of Kunming and pledged to crack down hard on terrorism.  [Special coverage]

"We will firmly crack down on all violent crimes of terrorism as they violate the dignity of law and challenge the bottom line of human civilization," Li said while delivering his first government work report at the National People's Congress (NPC), which opened on Wednesday.

"We will ensure the safety of people's lives and property and make concerted efforts to build a peaceful China," he said.

Li's comments about the Kunming attack were not in the official report.

A group of knife-wielding assailants slashed frantically at crowds at Kunming Railway Station late Saturday, killing 29 civilians and injuring 143.

Li condemned the attack, conveyed condolences to the victims and expressed sympathy to the victims' families.

Nearly 3,000 deputies from across the country observed a moment of silence for the victims at the opening meeting of the NPC's annual session.