Senior Chinese officials pledge allegiance to Constitution

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

Ballet "A Dream of the Red Mansion", an original production by the National Ballet of China, took the stage in Singapore this week, bringing one of China's most famous literary works to Singaporean audiences.

Performed at the Esplanade from Thursday to Sunday, the show was supported by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and organized by the China Enterprises Association (Singapore). It follows a tour in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the troupe's second overseas stop.

The ballet tells the story of Jia Baoyu through the language of choreography, delving into his innermost emotions and weaving together iconic scenes from the classic novel by Chinese writer Cao Xueqin to depict the grandeur and decline of the Grand View Garden.

Chinese Ambassador Cao Zhongming said the ballet interprets classic literature from the contemporary perspective, and blends classical ballet vocabulary with Chinese choreographic aesthetics, showing that the Chinese culture is both historical and contemporary, belonging to the Chinese nation and to the whole world as well.

Chinese ballet "A Dream of the Red Mansion" debuts in Singapore