Property law draft on NPC's table

"People can have a long-term life plan only if they know their private property is secure."

This teaching of fourth-century BC philosopher Mencius may get strengthened if the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) approves of a draft on property law. The paper was finally tabled for discussion at the NPC yesterday after a 14-year legislative marathon.

The proposed legislation is considered as important as the adoption of the statement, "a citizen's lawful private property is inviolable", in the constitutional provision in 2004, and, if passed, would mark the beginning of a new era in China with equal private and public property rights.