A draft law on the duties and responsibilities of the armed police was submitted for the consideration of Chinese lawmakers Monday.

The draft highlighted the force's mission to maintain national security and order.

The draft set out the duties and responsibilities of the armed police in "safeguarding state security and social stability," said Wu Shuangzhan, commander-in-chief of the armed police, who explained the draft law to the legislators.

The draft is among many proposed laws being considered for the first time by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The armed police were responsible for the security of sites including public facilities, factories, water projects "of national significance," bridges and tunnels on major traffic routes; armed patrols of major cities "at special times"; assisting in pursuit and arrests, and dealing with public security incidents and terrorist attacks, according to the draft.

It would also entitle the armed police to stop and question suspects in the course of guard and patrol missions, get priority on public transport facilities when necessary, and temporarily use the equipment, facilities, venues and other materials of an organization or individual in emergencies.

They were warned against delinquency and power abuse and told to be polite when performing their duties.

According to the draft, the costs of the force would be borne by the central and local fiscal revenues of governments above the county level.

An important part of China's armed forces, the armed police number about 680,000 people, according to Wu.

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2009)