BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen Taiwan deputies, eight men and five women, to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, were elected Thursday via secret ballot.

They were chosen from 16 candidates at an electoral conference which opened on Tuesday. Their qualifications must be reviewed and confirmed by the NPC Standing Committee.

Most of the 13 were born on the mainland, including Party or government officials, and respected academics.

The NPC is scheduled to convene its annual plenary session in early March.