The 16th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), held in Beijing, commenced on June 24, 2025. This session involves lawmakers examining several draft amendments and new laws pertaining to diverse areas, including public safety, competitive practices, health crises, maritime operations, and civil aviation.
Lawmakers are also focusing on grassroots governance, social support systems, medical security, and food safety. Notably, a proposal to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Institute is being discussed as well.
Among the notable proposals, a draft law aimed at enhancing the universal basic medical insurance system was introduced to the national legislature. According to Zhang Ke, head of the National Healthcare Security Administration, the draft elaborates on the medical security framework, outlining coverage and funding mechanisms for urban and rural residents while enforcing stricter oversight of the medical insurance fund’s operations.
Additionally, lawmakers are reviewing a draft law on social assistance aimed at expanding support for vulnerable groups and encouraging proactive monitoring of residents’ living conditions by local authorities.
Efforts to amend the Food Safety Law, which ensure better regulatory oversight, as well as revisions to the Civil Aviation Law, focussing on infrastructure and safety improvements for the aviation sector, are also on the table. Furthermore, an adjustment to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law seeks to impose stricter regulations against data misuse and unethical business practices.
Source: news.cgtn.com
