Officials now must take allegiance oath

Government officials, including the president and the premier, are now required to take an oath to uphold the Constitution when they assume office, a symbolic move in the country's advocacy of the rule of law.

The National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, adopted the measure on Wednesday, and it will take effect on Jan 1.

The oath's 70 Chinese characters are translated as, "I pledge to be faithful to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, safeguard the Constitution's authority, perform obligations as required by law, be loyal to the country and people, be committed and honest when performing duties, accept people's supervision, and work hard to build a socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious."