We begin here in Beijing where the National People's Congress has approved an amendment to the national Constitution. Lawmakers also listened to a work report reviewing the work of the NPC Standing Committee over the past five years.  

Nearly 3,000 lawmakers have voted. Proposed amendments to the Constitution have been passed. The amendments include the leading role of the Communist Party and the creation of a new state organ that will combat corruption. It includes the addition of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Scientific Outlook on Development. The amendments also include a new supervisory commission at national and local levels. And state functionaries must pledge allegiance to the Constitution when they assume office. Zhang Dejiang, the chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, delivered a report reviewing the work of the Standing Committee over the past five years. He stressed that China must be governed by law.

ZHANG DEJIANG NPC STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN "The NPC and its Standing Committee shoulder heavy responsibilities in building China into a socialist country of rule of law. We must understand that, to ensure the law-based governance of China, first we must ensure governance of the country based on the Constitution. We must tailor legislation to meet the needs of reform and development, ensuring reform is advanced under the rule of law and the rule of law is improved through reform."

Zhang Dejiang said the NPC has passed laws covering issues including national security, the socialist market economy and people's well being. He said the standing committee will continue to strengthen its legislative work in the new era.