China’s top lawmakers have convened to review important legal amendments aimed at boosting the nation’s development across various sectors. The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the Chinese mainland’s highest legislative body, began its 16th session on Tuesday in Beijing.
Medical Insurance System Enhancements
A draft law on medical insurance has been submitted for its first reading. This law aims to improve the Chinese mainland’s universal basic medical insurance system. According to Zhang Ke, head of the National Healthcare Security Administration, the draft outlines the framework for medical security, detailing coverage, funding mechanisms, and benefit guarantees for urban employees, urban and rural residents, and maternity insurance. The proposal also emphasizes the safe and stable operation of the medical insurance fund, with strengthened oversight of its management.
Expanding Social Assistance
Lawmakers are also reviewing a draft law to enhance social assistance for people in need. The proposed legislation expands the scope of social assistance and strengthens its role as a safety net. It encourages local authorities to actively monitor residents’ living conditions and provide timely help in accordance with the law. Additionally, the draft seeks to establish mechanisms that encourage citizens, organizations, and legal entities to participate in social assistance programs.
Food Safety Law Amendments
A draft amendment to the Food Safety Law has been presented for its first reading. The amendment focuses on addressing key issues, enhancing regulatory oversight, and ensuring food safety. It includes provisions to improve oversight of bulk road transportation of key liquid foods, places infant formula liquid milk under registration management, and imposes stricter penalties for violations. The Food Safety Law was first enacted in 2009 and has been revised several times to adapt to new challenges.
Boosting Civil Aviation Development
The NPC is also reviewing a draft revision to the Civil Aviation Law, marking efforts to promote growth in this sector. The draft, submitted for its second reading, proposes strengthening civil aviation infrastructure, supporting scientific research and education, and enhancing safety and service standards. It emphasizes the development of core technologies, improving design capabilities for large aircraft and advanced engines, and promoting technological innovation in civil aviation manufacturing. The draft also includes provisions to develop the low-altitude economy, potentially opening up new opportunities in aviation.
Protecting Data Rights and Fair Competition
A draft revision to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law is under deliberation to enhance regulatory measures against data rights violations and malicious transactions. The proposed changes outline various forms of unfair competition, introduce a national fair competition review system, and prohibit operators from forcing vendors to sell products below cost. The draft also requires platform operators to establish clear fair competition rules within their service agreements. Originally enacted in 1993, this law aims to promote healthy market development and protect the rights of consumers and businesses alike.
The session also includes deliberations on proposals related to grassroots governance, public security administration, public health emergencies, maritime affairs, and a proposal to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Institute. The NPC Standing Committee’s session is expected to conclude on Friday.
