CPC's new chief pledges to implement rule of law

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, pledged Tuesday to promote the authority of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Xi said all citizens are equal before the law, human rights should be respected and safeguarded, and people's extensive rights and freedom should be guaranteed.

He made the comments at a congress marking the 30th anniversary of the implementation of China's 1982 Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

"The foundation of the Constitution lies in people's heartfelt support, and its mighty force is resulted from people's sincere belief," Xi said.

People's dominant position should be adhered to in order to ensure that citizens enjoy rights and fulfil obligations, he said.

The Constitution is closely related to the country's future and the people's fate, said the newly elected general secretary.

Safeguarding the Constitution's authority, is to maintain the dignity of the will of the Party and the people, he said.

"To ensure the Constitution's implementation, is to ensure the realization of the fundamental rights of the people," said the general secretary.