NPC's rubber-stamp record intact - China

PEOPLE'S CONGRESS: Ninety-nine percent of delegates voted in favor of 13 amendments to China's constitution, supporting moves to slow down rising deficit spending

AFP , BEIJING
Monday, Mar 15, 2004,Page 5

China ended its annual session of parliament yesterday, with the rubber-stamp congress keeping intact its record of never opposing a government proposal or document for 50 straight years.

The 10-day meeting concluded with 99 percent of the delegates' votes in favor of 13 amendments to China's constitution, some of them landmark changes in the country's socialist system.

There was also virtually unanimous backing for this year's budget and economic plan, which intend to slow down galloping deficit spending, while aiming for 7 percent economic growth.

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