A total of 45 senior officials of 35 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 Monday.
Premier Li Qiang oversaw the ceremony and gave a speech. He urged the officials to uphold the authority of the Constitution at all times, to take the lead in respecting, studying, observing and applying the law, to perform their duties in accordance with the law, and to remain honest and self-disciplined.
Noting that China's economic and social development will continue to face numerous challenges and difficulties next year, Li called on the officials to shoulder their responsibilities and strive to open new horizons for reform and development.
It is essential that the decisions and plans of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee are refined and implemented, he said, noting that each task should be monitored closely to deliver tangible results.
Highlighting a people-centered development philosophy, he called on the officials to learn more about the needs and requests of people and enterprises.
For departmental leaders, it is essential for them to break away from cognitive inertia, and to make proactive plans and seek effective approaches in work to press ahead with reform tasks, Li said.
He also urged the various central government departments and local regions to enhance coordination and foster synergy in the execution of work.
Senior Chinese officials pledge allegiance to Constitution
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
