The National People's Congress Standing Committee convened Monday to discuss amending the Constitution.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the 12th NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting.

Li Zhanshu, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed lawmakers about a proposal by the Central Committee on the revision to the Constitution.

The 19th CPC Central Committee adopted the proposal at its second plenary session this month.

"Major theoretical achievements, principles and policies adopted at the 19th CPC National Congress, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, should be incorporated into the upcoming revision to the Constitution," said Li, also deputy head of a group working on the revision.

"We should keep pace with the times and improve the Constitution while maintaining its consistency, stability and authority," Li said.

Amending of the Constitution should be done by adhering to the Party's leadership and socialist rule of law, heading toward the correct political direction, following due process, being based on broad consensus, embodying the will of the people and only amending part of it instead of revising it on a large scale, Li said.

In 1982, the fifth NPC adopted the present Constitution, which underwent four amendments－in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2004.

"The Constitution has proved to be good legislation that fits in with China's reality and meets the demands of the times," Li said, adding that because the Party and nation have undergone profound changes since 2004, the Constitution should be adjusted accordingly.

Xinhua