As its annual National People’s Congress drew to a close Thursday, Chinese officials seemed eager to emphasize continuity and stability.

And remarks early in the 10-day event indicate that it views the North as an obstacle on that front.

China’s growth, though still impressive, faces concerns lingering over the horizon. So as the Congress drew to a close, the Chinese leadership essentially promised to maintain their current trajectory – keeping growth steady at 7.5 percent (though it may mean delaying planned economic reforms), continuing to clamp down on corruption, and continuing to make progress in financial reforms.

In