NPC passes Constitution update

Amendment, first since 2004, includes provisions reinforcing country's goals

The National People's Congress, China's top legislature, adopted a landmark amendment to the country's Constitution by secret ballot on Sunday, enshrining Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the fundamental law.

The adoption of the first amendment to the Constitution in 14 years won the almost unanimous support of lawmakers, with 2,958 in favor, two against and three abstentions.