BEIJING -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, began its bimonthly session Monday in Beijing by studying the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting.

Zhang said it is the Party and the nation's primary political task to study and implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, which enshrined Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a new component of the Party's guide for action.

He said Xi's thought should be taken as a long-term guiding principal for the CPC, as well as a guide for action for the Party and the nation in realizing the great national rejuvenation.

Members of the NPC Standing Committee must unswervingly adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core, and fully fulfil their duties as prescribed in the country's Constitution and laws, he said.