BEIJING -China's national legislature adopted a constitutional amendment Sunday, writing "The leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics" into the Constitution.

The Constitution has always been very clear and consistent on the CPC leadership. By writing the new sentence into the Constitution, the principle was strengthened, deepened and expanded, said Shen Chunyao, chairman of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the 12th National People's Congress Standing Committee, at a press conference on constitutional revisions.

The revision has reflected the fundamental, comprehensive and contemporary nature of the CPC leadership, he said.

The Party exercises overall leadership over all areas of endeavor in every part of the country, he added.