On March 14, 2004, the Second Session of the 10th National People's Congress examined and adopted the fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which recognized that, "citizen's legitimate private property is inviolable" and stated that "the state respects and protects human rights." It strengthened the legal protection of private property, helped improve the economic system, and promoted the rights of citizens and the rule of law. Enhancing protection for private property helped to mobilize the initiative and creativity of the broad masses and speed up the construction of an all-round well-off society.
(China.org.cn September 16, 2009)