Several laws concerning foreign affairs are expected to be formulated this year, with the aim to further strengthen construction of China’s legal framework regarding international matters, said Shi Chunfeng, Spokesman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). On the legislative agenda for 2026 is the drafting of a cross-border anti-corruption law and a law on protecting the rights of overseas Chinese, with a focus on enhancing foreign-related provisions in relevant current laws. Shi said that according to the agenda soon to be made public, the NPC Standing Committee plans to continue reviewing 15 legislative bills this year and begin the initial consideration of another 19 others. Additionally, there are a few projects slated for preliminary deliberation. Lawmakers will also focus on drafting and revising laws in the financial, environmental and public welfare sectors, he said. “This year, we will place greater emphasis on drafting a financial law and a financial stability law, with efforts to amend the Banking Regulation Law and the People’s Bank of China Law. The legal system for environmental conservation will be improved by formulating a law on regulating Antarctic activities and revising laws on water and renewable energy,” he said.
The NPC Standing Committee will also draft new laws on social assistance, medical security, childcare services, national fire and rescue personnel, and industrial workforce development, he said, adding that a few existing laws such as the Teachers Law, the Road Traffic Safety Law, and the Urban Real Estate Administration Law are planned to be amended to help improve people’s lives.
