The State Council held a swearing-in ceremony, with Premier Li Keqiang administering the oath, on Dec 3 in Beijing.

Sixteen heads of 14 State Council departments and affiliated agencies, newly appointed between July and November, swore to uphold the Constitution as required by law and a document on organizing the swearing-in ceremony.

Xiao Jie, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, declared the beginning of the ceremony, which started at 11 am. Everyone attending the ceremony stood up and sang the national anthem. The leader of the ceremony then placed his left hand upon the Constitution, and took the oath. Others lined up behind him and repeated the oath.

Premier Li then asked for each civil servant to be loyal to the Constitution and follow the laws, which is their standard of behavior, and said fighting for a better life for the people should be their goal.

He urged everyone to be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; to be committed and perform their duties according to the law; pledge to be diligent, honest and upright; take the lead in following, learning, observing and applying the law; push forward reform and innovation; undertake responsibilities in overcoming difficulties and present capabilities in implementing policies; abide by discipline and rules and wield powers impartially; spare no efforts to solve people's concerns and make contributions to economic and social development.

Also attending the ceremony were Vice-Premiers Han Zheng, Hu Chunhua and Liu He, as well as State Councilors Wang Yong and Wang Yi. Senior officials from other departments under the State Council also attended the ceremony.