Oath of duty on the way

All officials elected or appointed by people's congresses, or legislatures, at all levels and their standing committees above the county level, as well as those appointed by people's governments, courts and prosecutors' offices at all levels, will have to take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution when assuming office.

The measure, due to take effect on Jan 1, marks an important step toward maintaining the authority of the Constitution and ensuring functionaries abide by it.

The establishment of an oath-taking system at the national level, which will standardize various spontaneous oath-taking activities across the country, will ensure the solemnity and authority of the Constitution. The oath's 70 Chinese characters not only highlight the authority of the Constitution and the responsibility of State functionaries to abide it, but also instill the spirit of the Constitution in professional values and ethics for public servants.