WU BANGGUO, former chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, died of illness at 84 in Beijing early Tuesday.

Wu served as chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC from 2003 to 2013. An official statement commended his efforts in developing the theory and practice of the system of people’s congresses, as well as his contributions to the development of socialist democracy and the improvement of the legal system.

The statement said that Wu made legislation the top priority of the NPC and its Standing Committee, adhered to scientific and democratic approaches in legislation, and formulated and amended relevant laws to adapt to new circumstances.

Wu oversaw the legislation and amendment of the Anti-Secession Law and the Property Law.

Prior to his tenure as the top legislator, Wu served as vice premier of the State Council in the late 1990s, when he advanced the development of the Three Gorges project and the construction of railways, highways, ports, postal and telecommunication infrastructure, effectively enhancing the momentum of China’s economic growth.

In March 2013, Wu retired from the position of top legislator.

The statement hailed Wu’s life as a glorious, revolutionary one that was dedicated to serving the people. His passing is a great loss to the Party and the nation, it said.(Xinhua)