BEIJING - China's reform and opening up are always seen as a strong driving force for social and economic development and the country now faces new opportunities and challenges, a spokesman for the top legislature said Sunday.

"The deeper the reform proceeds, the more difficulties and resistance we might encounter, and the more specific and complex issues might arise," said Li Zhaoxing, spokesman for the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC).

"But generally speaking, opportunities outweigh challenges," he said.

China has made notable progress in the reform of some crucial sectors, such as improving economic structure and the environment for private businesses, and promoting the reforms related to fiscal, taxation and financial systems, according to Li.

Li also noted that though the financial crisis was not created by the Chinese, China is ready to work with the international community to offset the fallout of the crisis for the common benefits of people in China and around the world.