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| The Ninth National People's Congress begined from March 5, 2002. |
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| The CPPCC begined at the Great Hall of the People from March 3, 2002. |
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NPC Makes Progress in Legislation and Supervision
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In 2001, the National People's Congress (NPC), China's parliament, and its standing committee, passed 23 important laws including the family planning law and the amendment on marriage law. Most of the new laws affect the everyday life of citizens.
The NPC Standing Committee has also strengthened its supervisory function over the government, courts and procuratorates.
Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Chinese lawmakers have been enacting new laws and amending outdated ones.
The NPC Standing Committee has not only formulated the trust law, but also amended laws concerning trade marks, copyrights and foreign-funded businesses, in keeping with WTO rules. China has basically completed the modification of WTO-related provisions.
The amendment of the marriage law attracted much public attention in 2001. After meticulously reviewing the draft, the Standing Committee publicized the whole text of the amendment draft, soliciting suggestions from citizens.
In 2001, the family planning policy, one of China's basic national policies, became law for the purpose of controlling the population growth.
The amendment of the law on trade unions allows for the legal rights of workers to be maintained.
In implementing the sustainable development strategy, the Standing Committee passed two provisions for deserts control and the use of sea areas, showing China's concern over environmental protection.
After the September 11 terrorist attacks, China's law-making body took quick action, amending the criminal law to enable China to more effectively deal with terrorism. The Standing Committee also enacted a law dealing with national defense education.
New amendments to laws concerning judges, procurators and lawyers require them to pass national judicial exams before qualifying for such posts.
The Standing Committee has put supervisory work on equal footing with its legislative function. It organized programs keeping a check on the implementation of laws concerning securities, villagers' committees, agriculture and water pollution.
The NPC also deliberated plans, budgets and other reports on social maintenance, currency policy and social security from the State Council.
According to NPC sources, in the coming fifth session, the Standing Committee will enact and amend laws and regulations concerning counter-monopoly and insurance so as to meet the requirements of China's WTO membership.
(People?s Daily February 28, 2002)
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