Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, made the remarks when attending a group discussion of NPC deputies from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality during the first session of the 10th NPC.

Li listened to the speeches of deputies at the meeting and thanked them for their suggestions and advice to the Standing Committee of the 9th NPC.

He said the Standing Committee of the 9th NPC has completed its five-year term and its historical mission. However, China is still far off from the target of governing according to law and a socialist country under the rule of law, as well as requirements of the people.

He said although a primary socialist legal system has taken shape in China, China's legislature still has a long way to go and lots of work to do, including the amendment of laws made in the past and making new laws.

Li urged NPC deputies, whom he called as the backbone force in building socialism with Chinese characteristics, to keep close contact with the masses and called on finding more effective ways for NPC deputies to better play their roles.

Li said the 16th National Congress of the CPC has put forward the objective of building a socialist political civilization in China. An important part of this civilization is governing the country according to law and building a socialist country under the rule of law.

"Only through creating a sound environment ruled by law can we ensure full democracy and freedom for the people. We still have a lot to do in this field," Li Peng said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2003)