China's new President will be elected in March on the top legislature's annual meeting.

The decision was made by lawmakers in Beijing at their bimonthly session on Friday afternoon.

China's top legislature will elect the country's State leader for the next five years on a plenary session of the National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open on March 5.

The appointment of members of the State Council, including the Premier, will then be decided after the President is elected.

The legislative meeting will also handle matters on its regular agenda, such as reviewing the government's report and the annual budget.

The plenary session will last for about two weeks, almost twice as much as a regular plenary session without the election.