4. We made decisions on instituting the National Constitution Day and Martyrs’ Day.

In the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the NPC Standing Committee adopted the decision on instituting the National Constitution Day, establishing in law December 4th as China’s National Constitution Day and further stipulating that the state should carry out various forms of publicity and educational activities pertaining to the Constitution. The establishment of the National Constitution Day is conducive to improving public awareness of the Constitution, fostering the spirit of the Constitution, and strengthening the enforcement of the Constitution.

In recent years, deputies to the NPC, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and people from all sectors of society have, in various ways, made proposals and suggestions on establishing a national day to commemorate revolutionary martyrs and called for improvement in work related to the commemoration of martyrs. Therefore, the Standing Committee adopted the decision on making September 30th Martyrs’ Day. This is the third memorial day established by the Standing Committee in accordance with the law, following the Victory Day in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the National Memorial Day for the Nanjing Massacre Victims. The solemn commemoration of such events through memorial activities has greatly promoted patriotism and core socialist values.

The Standing Committee ratified, in accordance with the law, 13 treaties and agreements with foreign countries or international conventions that China concluded, and decided or approved appointments or removals for a number of employees of state bodies.

IV. We made our oversight work more targeted and effective by adhering to a problem-oriented approach.

In order to advance the implementation of major policies and plans of the CPC Central Committee and ensure proper and effective enforcement of the law, the Standing Committee practiced its oversight in accordance with the law, focusing on major issues concerning reform, development, and stability as well as difficult issues which had garnered broad attention from NPC deputies and the public. Over the past year, we listened to and deliberated on 13 work reports from the State Council, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, investigated compliance with 4 laws, conducted 3 special inquiries, and carried out research on 4 special topics.