Wen Jiabao

The National People's Congress approved the package of amendments with a vote of 2,863 in favor, 10 against and 17 abstentions.

The vote came on the 10th and final day of the NPC's annual session, held in the Great Hall of the People on Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Approved were 15 changes to the constitution, most notably a new clause that the nation would "respect and ensure human rights," and lines that say the government must compensate people for property it confiscates in the public interest.

Experts say the changes were made to protect private and foreign investment as well as appease some 10 million people who have been forced to give up their homes for infrastructure projects and real estate development.

The human rights clause addresses criticism, often from overseas, that China prohibits freedoms of religion and speech.

Chinese people who have faced legal problems, such as land and home confiscation, say the constitutional changes mean little without court reform and a corruption cleanup.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 20, 2004
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