BEIJING - About 200 newly licensed lawyers in Beijing took professional oaths in a ceremony on Thursday, the first of its kind since such processes became compulsory in early March this year.

The lawyers swore their loyalty to the country and the public, their professionalism, as well as their support to socialism and the Communist Party of China's leadership. They also vowed to uphold the Constitution and laws.

China's Ministry of Justice in March ordered newly qualified lawyers make these commitments. According to the ministry, a person who obtains or regains a lawyer's practice certificate should take the oath within three months of its receipt.

The ministry has nominated institutions to organize the ceremonies as well as the time and ways in which a lawyer must take the vows.