China concludes annual parliamentary session, promoting rule of law

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the closing meeting of the third session of the 12th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Honggguang)

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's parliamentary body, concluded its annual session Sunday morning.[Special coverage]

The session fulfilled its task, building consensus among the people, clarifying the missions ahead and raising confidence, said Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, who presided over the closing meeting.

The NPC deputies approved a number of important documents, including the government work report, the national economic and social development plan and the central budget.

They endorsed the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

They adopted the revision to the Legislation Law.

One of the most important outcomes at this session is the revision to the Legislation Law, Zhang said.

The revised law improves legislative system, further clarifies legislative power and streamlines the procedure, he said.

The law is of great significance to the effort of perfecting the socialist legal system centering on the Constitution, he said.

The top legislator stressed that all work should center on the strategic layout of "Four Comprehensives".

"The NPC is facing new requirements and having new tasks to keep a balance between reform and legislation," he said.

While adhering to the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, the NPC will work to ensure that all reform measures are legitimate and legislation is updated according to the needs of the reform and economic and social development, he said.

Zhang stressed the role of people's congresses as a major platform to connect with the people in a bid to push forward socialist democracy.

Zhang called on all NPC deputies to enhance their sense of responsibility, develop close contacts with the people, promptly respond to people's requests and be supervised by them.

The lawmakers also approved the resignations of two NPC Standing Committee members, Chen Jining and Chen Hao, at the closing meeting.

Chen Jining took the office as Minister of Environmental Protection in February. Chen Hao was appointed vice governor of southwest China's Yunnan Province last October and promoted to the governor in January.

According to the NPC rules, NPC Standing Committee members, elected from NPC deputies, are not allowed to take posts in governments, courts and procuratorates.

The NPC Standing Committee accepted their resignations in February and last November respectively and submitted them to the full session for final confirmation.