A civilian formation with paraders in uniforms with bunches of red flowers in hands marched past Tian'anmen Rostrum, with the theme of "governing the country by law" highlighted in their formation.

A float in the middle of the formation, with a banner reading "building a socialist legal system distinct in Chinese characters" glided past the Tian'anmen Square, where a grand military and civilian parade was held in the morning to celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

People's civil and political rights have been brought under real protection after the founding of the PRC. Since China's reform and opening up three decades ago, China has constantly strengthened its efforts to build a country ruled by law and improve democracy in past decades.

Citizens' personal and political rights have been extended and effectively protected. There were 231 national laws in force by this March.

China this year would take "decisive steps" toward establishing a socialistic legal system with Chinese characteristics, the country's top legislator Wu Bangguo said this March.

The country has clearly set the goal of establishing a legal system of socialism with Chinese characteristics by 2010.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)