China's newly-elected top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Tuesday reiterated the top legislature's resolve in pushing forward the rule of law.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the rule of law is the only path to prosperity, social harmony, stability and the people's well-being.

The essence of "the rule of law" is obeying the Constitution in running the country, Zhang said at the first meeting of the Standing Committee, which was elected during the first annual session of the 12th NPC.

As the permanent organ of the NPC, the Standing Committee bears an important mission in building a socialist country based on the rule of law,he said, calling on his fellow members to contribute more to that cause.

During the meeting, the Standing Committee approved the appointments its deputy secretary-generals and a number of appointments and removals of officials in charge of its affiliated commissions.

In addition, it removed Wan Exiang from his post as vice president of the Supreme People's Court, as he was elected a vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2013)