President takes oath of allegiance to Constitution for first time

The ceremony was held just six days after the national legislature added oaths of allegiance into the newly-amended Constitution Sunday.

The amendment also added Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guiding theory for China.

Based on a legislative decision passed by the top legislature in July 2015, China put the system into effect in January 2016, requiring all state functionaries to take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution when assuming office.

The PRC enacted its first Constitution in 1954. The current Constitution was adopted in 1982 and amended in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004 and 2018.

Joining NPC deputies in a panel discussion on March 10, Xi urged officials to uphold rule of law, oppose rule of man, be in awe of the Constitution, and exercise their duty within the boundaries of the Constitution and laws.

The ceremony was broadcast live via state television and the Internet.

"By taking the lead in swearing the oath, the president is telling the public that every one is equal in front of the law, and there is no exception," said Xiao Shengfang, an NPC deputy and president of Guangdong Lawyers Association. "It shows commitment by the Chinese leadership to rule of law, which will ensure China's journey toward modernization."