China's top legislators met in Beijing Monday to discuss how and when the country's military should be mobilized in times of war or emergency.
The draft law of national defense mobilization is one of a raft of proposed laws being considered for the first time by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).
The draft law sets out principles and organizational mechanisms of national defense mobilization, personnel and strategic material storage, as well as the prevention and relief of war-inflicted disasters.
Lawmakers are also considering for the first time a draft law on the People's Armed Police.
The draft stipulated the duties and responsibilities of the armed police in order to "safeguard state security and social stability," said Wu Shuangzhan, commander-in-chief of the armed police, who explained the draft law to lawmakers.
The eighth session of the Standing Committee of the 11th NPC, presided over by chairman Wu Bangguo, will also consider the draft amendment to the rules of procedure of the NPC Standing Committee.
Draft amendments to the Postal Law and the law on arbitration of disputes concerning contracted farmland are scheduled for second readings.
According to the NPC Law Committee, the Postal Law amendment would be be passed at the session if lawmakers agreed.
Minister of Justice Wu Aiying briefed lawmakers about treaties with the Republic of Korea and Australia on the transfer of convicted criminals.
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Jinzhang briefed lawmakers about a treaty with Venezuela on judicial assistance in criminal affairs.
The three treaties are to be submitted to the session for approval.
Lawmakers at the bimonthly session, scheduled from April 20 to 24, will also examine the qualifications of some NPC deputies and consider for approval official personnel changes.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2009)
