What they say

The law of succession, which was promulgated in 1985, is a relatively simple piece of legislation, with only about three dozen concrete statutes. This law was enough to meet the demands of society in the 1980s. However, China's reform and opening-up led to a series of societal changes, including shifts in people's assets. Therefore, it is necessary to improve legislation relating to inheritance and better protect people's rights. By adding some new statutes in the section on inheritance in the Civil Code, China has achieved a well-established legal framework for inheritance.

Yang Lixin, law professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing

New statutes in the Civil Code will help address the mounting burden of elderly care in an aging society and help spread the norms of respecting and caring for the elderly, as well as promoting family harmony.

Yang Rong, NPC deputy and a police officer in Taiyuan, Shanxi province

Taking care of empty-nest seniors and elderly people living alone has become a pressing issue with the growing trend of an aging population. Legacy support agreements provide another layer of legal protection for the elderly and address the practical needs of senior citizens.

Yang Fan, deputy to the National People's Congress and vice-president of the Jiangxi Lawyers Association in Jiangxi province.

Xinhua - China Daily