Mediation draft law could ease tension

BEIJING - Legislators started to review a draft of the country's first law on mediation on Tuesday, hoping outside-court settlement of minor disputes could help ease the rising social tension.

"While China is experiencing profound social and economic changes, various kinds of social conflicts are also emerging," Minister of Justice Wu Aiying told the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the top legislature.

She said it is necessary to offer legal backing to mediation, which helps resolve civil disputes through negotiations under the guidance of a local mediation committee, eliminating the need for a lawsuit.