Foreign governments and rights groups have welcomed a human rights amendment to China's constitution.
Amnesty International says it indicates an increased willingness to address human rights violations.
But it says 'fine words are not enough' and they must be backed by action.
On Sunday, the National People's Congress amended the 1982 constitution, including the landmark provision that "the state respects and preserves human rights."
However Amnesty notes that other freedoms already listed in the constitution are often abused.
They include freedom of speech, press, assembly, procession, demonstration and religious belief.
The European Union has joined the United States in asking China to implement the new provision as soon as possible