Zhang Dejiang (C), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presides over a symposium on pushing forward the rule of law with NPC deputies at all levels in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, April 15, 2013. Zhang made an inspection tour in Shandong from April 15 to 17. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang has stressed promoting the rule of law in national governance and social administration.

During his three-day visit to Shandong Province that started Monday, Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), called on deputies to people's congresses at all levels to stick to the rule of law and uphold the authority of the Constitution and the laws.

The key to comprehensively promoting the rule of law is to improve lawmaking, Zhang said, urging scientific and democratic legislation, as well as increased and orderly participation from the public.

Legislative procedures should be enhanced, including improved argumentation, research and evaluation of lawmaking, as well as increased legislation in major fields, he said.

Zhang also urged strict law enforcement, law-based administration and judicial justice to protect the interests of the public and maintain social order.

During his visits to enterprises, the countryside and communities in Shandong, Zhang urged efforts to speed up the transformation of the economic growth pattern, safeguard food security and improve people's livelihoods.