Beijing, September 9, 2024
The 11th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) is set to convene from September 10 to 13 in Beijing, with a significant focus on enhancing national defense education, strengthening the fight against statistical fraud, and other critical legal reforms.
Enhancing National Defense Education
The session will deliberate on the second draft of the revised National Defense Education Law, which was first enacted in 2001. The revision comes as a response to the comprehensive reform of the national defense education system initiated by the central leadership since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The reform of the national defense education system has been largely completed, and it is necessary to update the law to adapt to the new realities of the reform, said Wang Xiang, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, during a press conference on September 9.
The revised draft emphasizes the crucial role of schools in national defense education. It proposes integrating national defense education with conscription publicity, thereby enhancing students’ awareness of their legal obligation to serve in the military and fostering a culture of pride in military service. Additionally, the draft specifies the organization, content, and objectives of student military training, and it introduces new requirements for the development and implementation of military training programs.
Combating Statistical Fraud
Another highlight of the session will be the proposed amendments to the Statistics Law, aimed at strengthening the rigid institutional constraints against statistical fraud andData falsification.
Over the years, statistical fraud and data falsification have been persistent problems, severely damaging the authenticity and accuracy of statistical data, and there is strong public concern about this issue, Wang Xiang noted.
The draft amendment introduces new provisions that include incorporating the prevention and punishment of statistical fraud into the scope of legal administration and official responsibilities. It also proposes enhancing the assessment and management of statistical work for leaders, and expanding the scope of prohibited behaviors for relevant officials. This includes prohibiting explicit or implicit instructions to report false data and protecting those who refuse to engage in statistical violations.
The draft also toughens penalties for officials who fail to detect serious inaccuracies in statistical data and introduces comprehensive measures to ensure the legal responsibility for all types of statistical fraud andData falsification.
Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering Measures
The session will also review the second draft of the revised Anti-Money Laundering Law. The draft aims to better balance the fight against money laundering with the protection of personal privacy and the保障 of normal financial activities.
The revised law clarifies the definition of money laundering, lists seven types of predicate offenses, and introduces a catch-all provision to expand the scope of upstream crimes. It emphasizes that anti-money laundering efforts should be conducted in accordance with the law, ensuring that measures are proportional to money laundering risks, and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and entities.
The draft also requires financial institutions to conduct customer due diligence based on customer characteristics, the nature of transactions, and risk levels. It proposes simplifying due diligence for low-money laundering risk transactions. Additionally, it mandates that anti-money laundering service providers and their staff handle data and information obtained through services legally and securely.
Promoting Green and Low-Carbon Energy Transformation
The session will also discuss the second draft of the Energy Law, which aims to accelerate the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system, thereby promoting green and low-carbon energy transformation.
The draft emphasizes the rational development and clean, efficient use of fossil fuels, while promoting the safe and orderly replacement of fossil fuels with non-fossil energy sources. It also encourages energy technology innovation, supporting research, development, demonstration, promotion, and industrialization of fundamental, key, and cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and related new materials in the fields of energy resource exploration and development, clean and efficient use of fossil fuels, and renewable energy development and utilization.
The upcoming session of the NPC Standing Committee is poised to make significant strides in strengthening national defense education, combating statistical fraud, and advancing green energy initiatives, reflecting China’s commitment to legal and socio-economic development.
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