Vital part played by Constitution underscored

In front of nearly 3,000 deputies to the National People's Congress, and watched by tens of millions of people live on television, President Xi Jinping placed his left hand on China's Constitution, raised his right hand near his temple, and made a fist to signify solidarity.

Wearing a dark suit, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said after he was reelected Chinese president by a unanimous vote, "I pledge my allegiance to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China."

Xi pledged to safeguard the Constitution's authority, fulfill his legal obligations, be loyal to the country and the people, committed and honest in his duty, accept the people's supervision, and work hard for a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.