China's top legislator lauds people's congresses

BEIJING, Sept. 15  -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said on Monday that the system of people's congresses, which is China's fundamental political system, should be given full play.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, made the remarks at a theoretical symposium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishing the NPC.

Zhang said the nation should unswervingly stick to the socialist path of political development with Chinese characteristics and enhance the system of people's congresses.

Zhang called on authorities to earnestly fulfill the duties endowed by the Constitution and law and make new contributions to the development of socialist democracy.

Zhang stressed that the system of people's congresses is full of vitality and has huge advantages because it has been closely linked not only with the endeavor and unremitting exploration by the Party and the people, but also with the grand achievements made and important experiences gained by the Party and the people.

Zhang said while the nation is striving to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, we must be confident in the system of people's congresses and make efforts to enhance it.

In his speech, Zhang summarized the experiences of the system, which included adhering to the role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that exercises leadership, sticking to ensure people's master status and keeping to the rule of law.

Zhang said these principles should be followed and enriched in practice.

Additionally, the top legislator said adherence to the CPC's leadership, people's master status and the rule of law should be integrated and legislative workers should perform their duties with the focus on the overall interests of the work of the Party and the nation.

The event was jointly organized by the General Office of the Standing Committee of the NPC and the China Society for Theoretical Research on the system of the People's Congresses.