Chinese lawmakers discuss amendments to litigation, espionage laws

World Today

China’s top legislature has started a six-day meeting to discuss revisions to key laws and regulations. High on the agenda for the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress are two important legal amendments: one to the Administrative Procedure Law, allowing private suits against the government and a draft Counterespionage Law. CCTV America’s Hou Na reports from Beijing.

The amendment to the Administrative Procedure Law expands people’s right to sue the government if authorities fail to fulfill contracts on land issues. The draft amendment has been submitted for a third reading.

According to the draft, courts will launch administrative proceedings if the government is sued for violating agreements on land and house compensation or commercial operations franchised by the government.

The top legislature is still working on a draft Counterespionage Law. Formerly known as the National Security Law, the draft is expected to define what constitutes acts of espionage.

Sun Baoshu, the committee’s deputy director, said it’s necessary to transform the current National Security Law into the Counterespionage Law in order “to build a comprehensive state security law.” According to the draft, “counter-espionage will work according to the law, respect and ensure human rights, and guarantee the legal interests of citizens and organizations.”

During the session, lawmakers will also review draft amendment to the Criminal Law and a draft anti-terrorism law. Two reports regulating judicial acts in the court and procuratorate systems are also deliberated.