What functions and powers are exercised by State Council?

8. To direct and administer civil affairs, public security, judicial administration, supervision and other related matters.

9. To conduct foreign affairs and conclude treaties and agreements with foreign states.

10.To direct and administer building of national defense.

11.To direct and administer affairs concerning the nationalities.

To safeguard equal rights of minority nationalities and autonomy rights of national autonomous areas.

12. To protect legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals residing abroad and protect lawful rights and interests of returned overseas Chinese and of family members of Chinese nationals residing abroad.

13. To alter or annul inappropriate orders, directives and regulations issued by ministries or commissions.

14. To alter or annul inappropriate decisions and orders issued by local state administration organs at all levels.

15. To approve geographic division of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under Central Government, and to approve establishment and geographic division of autonomous prefectures, counties, autonomous counties, and cities.

Geographic division

Establishment

16. To decide by laws to place parts of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under Central Government under emergency state.

17. To examine and decide on the size of administrative structure and, in accordance with laws, to appoint or remove, to train, to appraise their performance and reward or punish administrative officials.