37 legislative items reviewed in China since start of year

A total of 37 legislative items have been reviewed since the start of this year, focusing on crucial areas of economic and social development such as finance and transportation, an official announced Wednesday.

At a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, Vice-Minister of Justice Li Mingzheng highlighted these legislative accomplishments, saying that draft bills, including those related to financial law and road traffic safety, have been submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, for consideration.

Additionally, significant regulations concerning integrated circuit layout designs, housing provident funds and mineral resources have been enacted and are now in effect, he said.

Li emphasized that these achievements signify a more targeted and effective approach to government legislation, aligning with the broader national agenda. He said the strategy of using well-crafted laws to promote reforms, drive development and ensure good governance is producing increasingly significant results.

He also advocated prioritizing non-litigation resolution mechanisms, utilizing 3.1 million mediators and 69,000 arbitrators to address conflicts and disputes at their source through diverse and orderly channels. This approach aims to enhance grassroots governance and maintain social stability.

Looking ahead to the next five years, Li underscored that the quality of public legal services should be further enhanced, with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain playing a key role.

"We aim to provide 24-hour legal services to the public and offer tailored support to key groups, including people with disabilities, migrant workers, the elderly, children, and those in emerging sectors," he explained.

Li cited data indicating that China has more than 3,000 legal aid institutions and more than 440,000 legal aid workstations. He added that the ministry will guide and support legal aid volunteers and law students in contributing to the steady enhancement of public legal services' reach and impact.