China's top legislator wants full role of lawmakers

Zhang Dejiang (C rear), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), speaks at a workshop attended by deputies to the 12th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Monday asked deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) to fully play their role, raise their capabilities and do the NPC work well.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, made the remarks at a workshop attended by deputies to the 12th NPC.

Zhang said deputies to the NPC were democratically elected by the people and therefore represent the interests and will of the people.

The 12th NPC and its standing committee had carried out the request of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the work of deputies had expanded, he said.

Zhang said the deputies kept the aspirations of the people in mind and valued the rights endowed by the people. They fulfilled their roles by law and responded to the concerns and suggestions of the people.

These had improved the work of the NPC and its standing committee, and helped to develop the socialist democratic politics and a socialist country ruled by law, he said.

Zhang stressed that the people's congresses and their standing committees at all levels should continue to connect closely with the people.

Zhang also called on the deputies to raise their professional capabilities, abide by the Constitution and law, and accept public supervision.