The State Council held a ceremony for 55 officials to pledge fidelity to the Constitution.

In the first such ceremony, 55 newly-appointed leading officials from agencies directly under the State Council took the oath. The officials pledged to loyally defend the Constitution as they fulfill their duties honestly, subject to the people's supervision.

Yang Jing, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, declared the ceremony open. The ceremony was supervised by Premier Li Keqiang.

After the oath was taken, Li told the officials to fulfill their oath and perform their duties conscientiously and tirelessly.

Vice Premiers Zhang Gaoli, Wang Yang and Ma Kai, State Councilors Chang Wanquan, Yang Jiechi and Guo Shengkun, as well as officials from the State Council agencies concerned, attended the ceremony.

In July 2015, China decided that officials at all levels in government, courts and procuratorates should take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution as they assume office.

A year later, the State Council published detailed rules which specify formalities and procedures for the ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2016)