BEIJING, June 11 -- A total of 49 senior officials of 42 departments and units under the State Council, China's cabinet, pledged allegiance to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China at a ceremony on Wednesday.

Premier Li Qiang oversaw the ceremony and gave a speech.

Li urged the officials to fully implement the decisions and plans made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, steadfastly uphold the rule of law, safeguard social fairness and justice, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the people.

Noting that advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development remains an arduous and complex mission amid a more challenging external environment, he called on the officials to confront difficulties head-on and firmly grasp the initiative for development.

The officials should sharpen their capacity to anticipate risks and implement targeted policies, and strengthen cross-departmental coordination to fulfill key tasks including expanding domestic demand, revitalizing consumption, building a unified national market, and optimizing the business environment, he said.