China declares holiday as part of law campaign

BEIJING (AP) — China‘s legislature has designated Dec. 4 as Constitution Day amid a drive to strengthen the authority of the country’s legal system.

The National People’s Congress’ Standing Committee declared Saturday that the move aimed to increase awareness of the constitution, promote its spirit, and strengthen its implementation.

China has enacted a total of four constitutions since the founding of the communist state in 1949, with the current version adopted in 1982.

The move is part of President Xi Jinping’s “rule of law” campaign seen as an attempt to institutionalize the powers of the ruling Communist Party while reducing corruption and improving government efficiency.

Despite promoting the constitution, the party has firmly rejected calls for independent supervision under the document, whose first article forbids any challenge to the country’s socialist system.

China declares holiday as part of law campaign