China's newly-elected leaders took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution - something that's never been done before. Scholars called the move significant for showcasing the authority of the Constitution and advancing the rule of law.

PROF. FENG YUJUN RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA LAW SCHOOL "This is the first time our president swore an oath to the Constitution. It carries great historical significance and a pioneering spirit. The oath is a political process, which gives the people a vivid lesson on the Constitution and the rule of law. It shows us the leader of the CPC and the leader of the people is making a solemn commitment to the rule of law."

WANG JINGBO, DEAN SCHOOL OF LAW-BASED GOVERNMENT CHINA UNIVERSITY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE & LAW "Taking an oath of allegiance to the Constitution helps the whole society to recognize constitutional supremacy and respect constitutional authority."

SHEN WEIXING, DEAN SCHOOL OF LAW, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY "President Xi Jinping took the lead in swearing an oath to the Constitution. It means the rule of law and respect for the Constitution have been lifted to an unprecedented height. Civil servants of all levels must abide by constitutional principles, and promote the constitutional spirit."