BEIJING -- Top legislator Li Zhanshu on Thursday called for stronger theoretical studies of the people's congress system of China to "keep pace with the times and respond to the call of the times."

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at the annual session of the Academy of Chinese People's Congress System.

Li said the theoretical study of the people's congress system should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and adhere to the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics to serve socialist democracy.

He also asked the Standing Committee of the NPC to strengthen leadership over theoretical study of the people's congress system to create more theoretical study achievements to contribute to socialist democracy and the rule of law.