China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress (NPC), commenced its latest standing committee session on Tuesday, focusing on several key bills including a draft revision to the National Defense Education Law and an amendment to the Statistics Law.
Chairman Zhao Leji presided over the first plenary meeting of the NPC Standing Committee’s 11th session. Lawmakers reviewed the draft revision to the National Defense Education Law, which aims to enhance military service education within national defense education programs on campuses.
Additionally, the committee deliberated on a draft amendment to the Statistics Law, which seeks to promote the integration of modern information technologies into statistical practices.
The session also included discussions on a draft revision to the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, aimed at improving monitoring, reporting, and early warning systems for infectious diseases. Another significant topic was a draft energy law that emphasizes the promotion of a green and low-carbon energy transition.
Lawmakers reviewed a draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law, which aims to strengthen monitoring of emerging money laundering risks. Other bills under consideration included a public health emergency response law, a national park law, and an amendment to the Supervision Law.
The committee also examined a draft decision to confer national medals and honorary titles in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, there were discussions on gradually raising the statutory retirement age and several international treaties.
A report on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan for 2023 was presented, indicating positive progress in high-quality development and continued growth in the economy and national strength. Lawmakers also reviewed a report on budget execution for the current year, noting that fiscal operations have remained stable and budget execution has been largely balanced.
Furthermore, the NPC Standing Committee discussed a 2023 report on government debt management, marking the first time the committee has reviewed the State Council’s report since the establishment of a new reporting system.
The meeting also addressed reports on promoting childcare services, advancing elderly care, and enforcing the Agriculture Law.
