Amendments to Civil Procedure Law come into effect on Jan 1

A newly amended Civil Procedure Law that provides more optimized measures for handling foreign-related cases will take effect from Jan 1, 2024, China's top legislature said.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, adopted the amendment to the law when it wrapped up a session on Friday.

While responding to public concerns, a major revision focuses on improving the efficiency of dealing with civil disputes involving external affairs by adjusting some provisions, such as those on delivery of legal documents and international judicial assistance, according to the legislature.

It said the modification is to better protect legitimate rights of litigants and strongly safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

In recent years, China has stepped up efforts in taking a coordinated approach to promote the rule of law at home and in matters involving foreign affairs, which is also a requirement made by the central leadership.