--- source: "National People's Congress of China" url: "https://npcobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-NPCSC-Work-Report_NON-FINAL_EN.pdf" document_type: pdf date_retrieved: 2026-03-17 period: "March 2026" parent_publication: "NPC Standing Committee Work Report" session: "Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress" delivered_date: "March 9, 2026" approved_date: "March 12, 2026" speaker: "Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress" indicators_covered: ["Legislative Work", "Constitutional Implementation", "Rule of Law", "Economic Legislation", "Environmental Protection", "National Security", "Oversight Functions"] --- # Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress **Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress** **Delivered: March 9, 2026** **Approved: March 12, 2026** **Chairman:** Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress --- ## Opening Address On behalf of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the report presented herein covers the work carried out for deliberation by the Fellow Deputies. --- ## The Year in Review ### 2025 Major Accomplishments The year 2025 was truly remarkable. Facing profound and complex developments at home and abroad, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country in meeting challenges head-on with determination and hard work. As a result, the cause of the Party and the country has scored major new accomplishments. With the successful conclusion of the **14th Five-Year Plan**, China's economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capabilities, and composite national strength have reached new heights, enabling us to achieve a strong start on our new journey toward the Second Centenary Goal. ### Political Foundation Our great endeavors on the new journey in this new era have fully proven the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. These endeavors have demonstrated the marked strengths of the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and exhibited the promising prospects of Chinese modernization. ### NPC Standing Committee Work Framework Over the past year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the NPC Standing Committee has upheld Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide and fully implemented the guiding principles from the Party's 20th National Congress and the plenary sessions of the 20th Party Central Committee. The Committee has studied and applied Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping's key theory on upholding and improving the people's congress system; stayed true to the unity of leadership by the Party, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance; and practiced whole-process people's democracy. This past year, leveraging the strengths of China's fundamental political system with focus on refining the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics and building a socialist country under the rule of law to a higher standard, the Committee has fulfilled its duties and responsibilities in accordance with the law and achieved fresh progress and results in all areas of its work. --- ## 1. Constitutional Implementation and Compliance Oversight ### Refining the Legal Framework Relating to the Constitution Among the major political and legislative tasks planned by the Party Central Committee is the enactment of a law promoting ethnic unity and progress. Two rounds of deliberation on its draft have been completed and submitted to this session for deliberation. Once adopted, this law will lay a solid legal foundation for forging a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation, advancing the building of this community, and further promoting extensive interaction, exchange, and integration among all ethnic groups as they strive together for common prosperity and development. Coordinated efforts have been made to: - **Revise the Organic Law of Villagers' Committees and the Organic Law of Urban Residents' Committees** — By improving the composition and functions of these committees and refining their election, deliberation, management, supervision, and other systems, the NPC strengthened mechanisms for community-level people's self-governance under the leadership of primary-level Party organizations. - **Revise the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language** — This strengthens the legal status of standard Chinese and provides a strong legal guarantee for its widespread and proper use across the nation. ### Taiwan Recovery Day Designation As stipulated by the Constitution, completing the great cause of reunifying the motherland is the sacred duty of all the Chinese people, including fellow Chinese in Taiwan. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of China's recovery of Taiwan, **October 25 has been designated as Taiwan Recovery Day** in accordance with the Constitution. The goal is to: - Demonstrate the Chinese people's firm resolve to uphold the one-China principle and defend national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity - Strengthen the shared national historical memories of compatriots on both sides of the strait - Inspire all Chinese people to work together for national reunification and rejuvenation Legal means continue to be employed to both combat separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and oppose external interference. A symposium was held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Secession Law. ### Constitutional Review and Normative Documents #### Quality Enhancement Measures Regular sessions of constitutional review have been conducted throughout the entire legislative process with enhanced research on constitutional compliance and related constitutional matters in normative documents. In fulfilling the duty of recording and review in accordance with the law: - All documents subject to recording were duly filed - All recorded documents were reviewed - All errors identified were corrected #### Document Review Statistics - **2,218 normative documents** submitted for recording were properly reviewed, including: - Administrative regulations - Supervisory regulations - Local regulations - Autonomous regulations - Separate regulations - Judicial interpretations - Local laws of special administrative regions - **6,705 suggestions** submitted for review by citizens and organizations were examined, with feedback provided as stipulated by law - A comprehensive overhaul of normative documents that hindered private sector development or led to the unequal treatment of enterprises was conducted ### Rectification Through Review Relevant enacting bodies were urged to promptly revise, abolish, or take other measures to deal with normative documents found to have issues of constitutionality, legality, or reasonableness. Better alignment and coordination among recording and reviewing bodies was promoted to boost the efficacy of the recording and review system. Training sessions were organized to strengthen case guidance and facilitate exchange. ### Promoting Constitutional Spirit and Socialist Rule of Law The **Law on the Publicity and Education on the Rule of Law** was enacted, facilitating regular, long-term promotion and education of the Constitution, enhancing the people's legal awareness, and elevating law-based social governance to a higher level. In commemoration of the 12th National Constitution Day, a conference was held themed "Strengthening the Implementation of the Constitution and Advancing Socialist Democracy and Rule of Law," helping the people embrace the foundational law of the country. Five ceremonies for officials to pledge allegiance to the Constitution as they took office were organized, encouraging state employees to be loyal to, abide by, and uphold the Constitution. ### Personnel and Appointments In accordance with the law, **18 personnel changes** were conducted, including: - Appointment or removal of vice chairpersons of NPC special committees - Deputy secretaries-general of the NPC Standing Committee - Vice chairpersons of working commissions and committees - Acceptance of resignation of one member of the NPC Standing Committee - Revocation or termination of 9 individuals' appointments due to termination of NPC deputy qualifications **Personnel changes to key state institutions:** - **Central Military Commission:** 3 personnel changes (appointment and removal of vice chairperson and members) - **State Council:** 97 personnel actions affecting positions of department head and ambassador - **Supreme People's Court:** 138 personnel changes (vice president, Adjudicatory Committee member, divisional chief judge, associate divisional chief judge, and judge) - **Supreme People's Procuratorate:** 23 personnel changes (deputy procurator-general, Procuratorial Committee member, and procurator) - **Military Court and Procuratorate:** 3 personnel changes (president of Military Court and chief procurator of Military Procuratorate) - **Provincial procuratorates:** 10 personnel changes for chief procurator positions --- ## 2. Enhanced Legislative Work ### Legislative Overview Over the past year, **40 draft laws, legal interpretations, and decisions** were deliberated, with **24 of them adopted**, including: - 6 new laws - 14 revised laws - 1 legal interpretation - 3 decisions on legal matters and other significant issues Additionally, **9 treaties and important agreements** were ratified. ### Economic Legislation #### Private Sector Promotion Law The **Private Sector Promotion Law** was enacted to carry out the Party Central Committee's major principles, policies, and initiatives aimed at further developing the private sector. This law explicitly establishes the principles of: - Impartial treatment - Fair competition - Equal protection - Common development The law lays out rules for market access, availability of production factors, business regulation, and protection of rights and interests, thereby providing the legal safeguards essential for the sustained, healthy, and high-quality development of the private sector. #### Market Economy Legislation Revisions were made to: - **Unfair Competition Law** - **Civil Aviation Law** Deliberations were conducted on: - Draft law on state-owned assets - Draft revisions to the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law - Banking Regulation Law - Trademark Law - Certified Public Accountants Law These efforts have been instrumental in the development of a credit-based economy under the rule of law and a unified national market, thus expediting the establishment of a high-standard socialist market economy. #### Resource and Trade Legislation - **Fisheries Law** — Revised to balance resource conservation with proper resource utilization - **Law on the protection and quality improvement of cultivated land** — Deliberated to refine the integrated system for preserving the quantity, quality, and ecosystems of cultivated land - **Maritime Law** — Revised to better reflect China's distinctive features and align with established international rules - **Arbitration Law** — Revised - **Foreign Trade Law** — Revised to better serve high-standard opening up #### National Development Planning Law The formulation and implementation of well-crafted five-year plans represents an important political strength of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Three rounds of deliberation were conducted on a **draft national development planning law**, which has been submitted to this session for review. Its purpose is to enshrine into law proven practices used in formulating and implementing national development plans under the Party's leadership, providing an institutional foundation for improved law-based national development planning and enhanced strategic guidance. **Authorization for Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone:** A decision was made to authorize the State Council to temporarily adjust the application of relevant provisions of the Seed Law in the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone. ### Social Governance and Public Wellbeing Legislation #### Public Health Drawing on China's experience in epidemic prevention and control: - **Law on Public Health Emergency Response** — Enacted - **Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases** — Revised to further improve institutions and mechanisms for epidemic prevention, control, and response to better safeguard the people's health and safety #### Food Safety The **Food Safety Law** was revised to: - Rectify shortcomings in the system of oversight - Establish a more robust safeguard for food safety #### Justice and Welfare - **Draft law on procuratorial public-interest litigation** — Deliberated to protect national and public interests - **Draft law on national fire and rescue personnel** — Deliberated to motivate and support them in better performing their duties in accordance with the law - **Draft laws regarding medical security, childcare services, and social assistance** — Deliberated to advance law-based development of public services that are inclusive, meet essential needs, and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable ### Environmental Protection Legislation #### Ecological and Environmental Code In compiling the **ecological and environmental code**, work was guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Conservation to codify the theoretical, institutional, and practical achievements made in ecological conservation since the Party's 18th National Congress. The process involved: - Comprehensive and systematic compilation and revisions of existing laws and regulations - Proper degree of openness, inclusiveness, and adaptability - Two overall reviews and two reviews of individual sections The draft code has been submitted to this session for deliberation. #### National Parks Law The **National Parks Law** was enacted, affirming: - Legal status of national parks - Institutions for their planning, establishment, protection, management, support, and supervision #### Environmental Protection Tax and Conservation - **Environmental Protection Tax Law** — Revised to extend tax to all volatile organic compounds, promoting sustained improvement of air quality - **Draft law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection** — Deliberated to regulate activities in Antarctica while preserving its environment ### National and Public Security Legislation #### Atomic Energy The **Atomic Energy Law** was enacted to: - Support research, development, and peaceful utilization of atomic energy in accordance with the law - Promote healthy, safe, and sustainable development of related programs #### Public Security and Cybersecurity - **Public Security Administrative Penalties Law** — Revised with: - Appropriate adjustment or defining of scope, category, and severity of penalties - Optimization of penalty procedures - Enhanced standardization of law enforcement - **Cybersecurity Law** — Revised to: - Strengthen legal accountability in cybersecurity - Enhance data security and personal information protection - Foster a safer, healthier online environment #### Hazardous Chemicals and Prisons - **Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law** — Enacted to bolster comprehensive safety management across the entire chain - **Prison Law** — Draft revisions deliberated to advance development of safe, law-based, and well-managed prisons ### Comprehensive Review of Laws A thorough review of existing laws is essential for ensuring the soundness, consistency, and unity of the legal system. Following a problem-oriented approach, a comprehensive review of existing laws, legal interpretations, and decisions on legal matters was conducted. For those found to be outdated or inconsistent, action was taken in accordance with the law. **Results:** - **104 laws, legal interpretations, and decisions** adopted by the Standing Committee were invalidated - **35 laws and decisions** passed by the NPC have been submitted to this session for deliberation and decision ### Scientific and Democratic Legislation The NPC Standing Committee carried out legislative work in strict compliance with its statutory powers and procedures, guided by objective principles and the inherent laws governing legislative work. The Committee strived to: - Balance, adjust, and regulate various interest relations - Delineate reasonable boundaries for laws and regulations - Ensure rights and obligations are aligned - Match power and responsibility - Ensure punishments are proportionate to offenses #### Public Participation Orderly public participation in legislation was encouraged with improved focus of research, symposiums, debates, and assessments. Broad consensus in lawmaking was fostered. After soliciting public input on draft laws through the official NPC website and local legislative outreach offices: - **364,000 comments and suggestions** were received from all sectors of society - Many of these have been accepted with feedback provided #### Public Information and Communication The public was provided with information and explanations throughout the entire legislation process through: - Spokespersons' press conferences - Written responses to journalists' inquiries - Other channels disseminating information on bill deliberation - Explanations of newly enacted or revised laws - Proper responses to legal matters of public concern A meeting was convened on the work of local legislative outreach offices, reviewing the experience gained over the past decade since their establishment and striving to make this work more institutionalized and standardized. --- ## 3. Oversight Responsibilities ### Overview of Oversight Functions To ensure oversight is carried out appropriately, effectively, and lawfully, mechanisms for implementing the Oversight Law were improved. The NPC Standing Committee strengthened oversight over: - Implementation of the Constitution and laws - Work of the State Council - National Commission of Supervision - Supreme People's Court - Supreme People's Procuratorate The aim is to ensure state institutions exercise their powers and perform their functions in accordance with the law and the people's lawful rights and interests—in particular their democratic rights—are safeguarded and fulfilled. ### Oversight Statistics Over the past year: - **22 work reports** heard and deliberated - **5 laws** inspected for implementation - **2 special inquiries** held - **11 research projects** undertaken - **1 resolution** adopted - **221,000 public letters and visits** handled in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, with the Council of Chairpersons regularly hearing reports on this work ### Special Reports Coordination With focus on implementing the Party Central Committee's major decisions and plans and responding to the people's concerns and expectations, a number of topics were designated for special reports, with thorough preliminary research conducted and closer work communication fostered. The relevant parties were urged to take rectification measures, strengthening and improving relevant work by generating greater synergy. #### Economic and Innovation Reports - **State Council report on developing new quality productive forces** — Heard and deliberated to drive the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation and enhance China's innovation capacity on all fronts - **State Council report on promoting the application of scientific and technological advances** — Heard and deliberated #### Public Wellbeing Reports To ensure and improve the people's wellbeing and meet their needs for a better life, the State Council reports heard and deliberated include: - **Protecting the rights and interests of workers** in flexible and new forms of employment - **Promoting the deep integration** of the cultural and tourism sectors - **Allocating and utilizing government funding** for higher education - **Creating sound institutions and mechanisms** for integrated urban-rural development #### Environmental Protection Reports In seeking to advance the Beautiful China Initiative, State Council reports heard and deliberated include: - **State of the environment** and fulfillment of environmental protection targets for 2024 - **Climate change response** including peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality progress - **Pilot reforms of the water resource tax** #### Law Enforcement and Judicial Reports To strengthen oversight over law enforcement and judicial work: - **State Council report** on enforcement of penal decisions - **Supreme People's Procuratorate report** on oversight of penal enforcement - **Supreme People's Court report** on maritime adjudication ### Fiscal and Economic Affairs Oversight Following a problem- and result-oriented approach, working mechanisms were refined and oversight efforts intensified to facilitate implementation of the Party Central Committee's decisions and plans regarding the economy. #### Budget and Planning Oversight - **State Council reports heard and deliberated on:** - Plan implementation - Budget execution - Central final accounts - **2024 central final accounts** examined and approved #### State-Owned Assets Management - **Comprehensive State Council report** deliberated on management of state-owned assets for 2024 - **Special report** heard and deliberated on management of state-owned assets held by enterprises (financial firms excluded) - **Special inquiry** conducted into state-owned asset management - Reporting system for state-owned asset management refined - **State Council report** heard and deliberated on handling of recommendations and related rectification and accountability efforts #### Financial Work and Government Debt - **State Council reports heard and deliberated on:** - Financial work - 2024 government debt management These efforts have helped to: - Improve quality and effectiveness of financial support for the real economy - Optimize scale and structure of government debt - Curb new hidden local government debt - Clear overdue payments to enterprises - Prevent and mitigate risks in key areas #### Audit and Fiscal Discipline - **State Council report** heard and deliberated on 2024 audit work - **Report on rectification of issues uncovered during audits** heard and deliberated - Efforts strengthened to push for more robust mechanisms for ensuring rectification and addressing problems at their source #### Public Finance Management - **Report** heard and deliberated on recording and review of fiscal and budgetary matters to ensure strict compliance with laws and procedures in public finance management - Role of local liaison offices of the Budgetary Affairs Commission strengthened ### Law Enforcement Inspections Inspections were conducted of: - Performance of statutory functions - Fulfillment of legal responsibilities - Effect of law enforcement in strict accordance with the law Law enforcement inspections were integrated with legislative and legal awareness initiatives to promote the full and effective implementation of laws. #### Specific Inspections Conducted **Trade Union Law Implementation** - To strengthen primary-level trade unions - Protect lawful rights and interests of workers - Deepen reforms to further develop industrial workforce **Food Safety Law Implementation** - To ensure whole-process supervision responsibilities are carried out as legally required - Improve food quality and safety across the entire supply chain **Forest Law Implementation** - To cultivate, protect, and develop forest resources under the strictest institutions and most rigorous rule of law **Law on Promoting the Circular Economy Implementation** - To advance creation of a system for recycling waste and used materials - Use resources more efficiently - Promote eco-friendly work practices and lifestyles throughout society **Energy Conservation Law Implementation** - Carried out special inquiry based on deliberation of inspection report - To advance comprehensive conservation strategy by integrating energy conservation into every stage and aspect of economic and social development - Promote coordinated progress in cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, expanding green development, and boosting economic growth ### Research Projects With focus on key issues in formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, members of the Council of Chairpersons led research teams with participation of: - 10 special committees - 4 working commissions and committees - General Office of the NPC Standing Committee **Results:** 26 reports produced based on thorough research and extensive consultation. Additionally, more than 1,000 NPC deputies organized to conduct research on relevant issues, resulting in 50 additional reports. #### Research Subjects **Fiscal and Economic Sphere:** - Standardizing preferential tax policies - Managing and reforming government capital expenditure - Further developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area - Cultivating industries in rural areas **Social Governance and Public Wellbeing:** - Advancing the building of a community for the Chinese nation - Strengthening legislation on overseas Chinese affairs - Improving quality and safety of agricultural products **National Security:** - Implementation of the National Security Law - Implementation of the Land Border Law **Other:** - Implementation of the Supervision Law All findings were transmitted promptly to relevant parties for study and work improvements. --- ## 4. Deputy-Related Work ### Implementation of Deputies Law The NPC continues in fully implementing the revised Deputies Law, enhancing its capacity to handle deputy-related work, collaborating closely with deputies to advance all aspects of its agenda, and ensuring they have necessary support to perform their duties lawfully. ### Deputy Engagement and Performance NPC deputies have: - Immersed themselves in study of the Deputies Law and executed it conscientiously - Maintained steadfast political stance - Leveraged unique strengths—coming from the people and taking root among the people - Utilized professional expertise - Maintained close ties with public - Fulfilled responsibilities with great dedication - Faithfully represented the interests and will of the people - Contributed to work of people's congresses and various fields with insights and suggestions ### Deputies Law Study and Promotion By prioritizing study and implementation of the Deputies Law as a key measure to enhance deputies' ability to perform their duties: - Essentially all deputies to the NPC and local people's congresses at all levels gained thorough understanding of the law through various channels including symposiums and training courses - Refinement of supporting regulations and related working institutions and mechanisms was promoted - Research, public outreach, and interpretation of the law enhanced to create favorable environment for implementation ### Maintaining Contact with Deputies **Standing Committee Members:** - Maintained regular contact with 399 NPC deputies **Broader Engagement:** - Special committees, working commissions and committees, and Standing Committee General Office refined and implemented their own mechanisms for engaging with deputies - 276 invitations extended to attend Standing Committee meetings in non-voting capacity - Five meetings held to hear deputy opinions - Deputies invited to participate in: - Legislative research - Law enforcement inspections - Oversight of fiscal and economic affairs - Foreign exchanges - Total participation exceeding 900 ### Deputy Input and Communication - Comments and opinions of deputies solicited for draft laws through online work platform - Deputies organized to review and discuss three draft laws submitted to session for review - Feedback incorporated where appropriate after careful deliberation - 1,622 opinions and suggestions submitted by deputies for NPC's work during previous session - Each studied and responded to - Written updates provided to each deputy to keep informed of progress of major work - Holistic approach taken to standardize communication between NPC deputies and State Council, National Commission of Supervision, Supreme People's Court, and Supreme People's Procuratorate ### Fostering Closer Ties with People - Systematically organized inspection tours and research projects for deputies in accordance with law - Local inspection and research tours arranged for deputies from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, People's Liberation Army, and Armed Police Force - Deputies encouraged to attend activities held by local deputy groups, outreach offices, and liaison offices - Deputies: - Listened to concerns of people - Reported on social conditions and public sentiment - Led by personal example in promoting and implementing Party Central Committee's major policies and principles - Promoted Constitution, law, and national work plans - Working mechanisms refined for processing and providing feedback on public opinions conveyed by deputies ### Deputy Proposals and Suggestions The methods for handling deputy proposals, suggestions, criticisms, and opinions were revised. The NPC committed to high standards in: - Preparing and handling proposals and suggestions - Assisting deputies in formulating initiatives that are politically sound, legally valid, and of high quality - Holding meetings to forward suggestions and share work experience in handling them - Lawfully urging relevant organizations to ensure effective handling #### Priority Suggestions **Council of Chairpersons identified 23 priority suggestions**, forwarded to 20 organizations to lead their processing under supervision of 10 special committees. Organizations handling suggestions: - Strengthened communication with relevant deputies - Invited deputies to participate in discussions and research - Integrated handling of suggestions and proposals into efforts to improve their work #### 2025 Session Statistics - **269 proposals** submitted during third session of 14th NPC — All reviewed with feedback provided to deputies - **27** of legislative items covered by proposals have been reviewed and adopted or submitted for review - **50** included in annual or five-year legislative plans - **9,160 suggestions** submitted during third session and 150 suggestions raised when NPC not in session — All processed with responses communicated - **75.4% of issues raised** either resolved or scheduled for resolution over time ### Services and Support for Deputies - **Five themed study sessions** organized for deputies to receive training and share experience - Total attendance surpassing 1,000 - **Themed lectures** organized for Hong Kong and Macao deputies - **Intelligent upgrading** of online NPC deputy work platform advanced, providing timely information to keep deputies informed of state affairs and government work - **Proper records** kept of how deputies carried out duties - Oversight and management of performance enhanced ### Deputy Qualifications The NPC deliberated and passed seven reports from the Credentials Committee on qualifications of certain deputies: - **By-election results for 7 deputies** confirmed - **Credentials of 58 deputies** terminated in accordance with law due to termination of NPC deputy qualifications - **Current NPC deputies:** 2,878 --- ## 5. International Engagement ### Diplomatic Framework The NPC continued to study and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and implemented the Party Central Committee's major diplomatic policies, decisions, and plans. Giving top priority to materializing outcomes of head-of-state diplomacy, the organization consolidated and deepened foreign exchanges and contacts at multiple levels, through different channels, and in various fields. The unique features and strengths of the National People's Congress were leveraged in engaging with a broad range of counterparts in exchanges covering rich variety of content and diverse forms. ### Engagement Statistics Over the past year: - **59 delegations** sent to 58 countries for official visits or participation in international conferences - **92 delegations** from 69 countries and international or regional parliamentary organizations hosted for official visits or seminars in China ### Bilateral Exchanges **Leadership Delegations:** - Council of Chairpersons members led delegations to 25 countries - Attended 162 foreign affairs events at home **Institutional Coordination:** - NPC special committees, friendship groups, working bodies, and deputies deepened exchanges with foreign counterparts - Institutionalized meetings held with parliaments of 12 countries as well as the European Parliament #### Significant Exchanges - **China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee** — 10th meeting and two joint working group meetings convened - **US engagement** — Received delegation from US House of Representatives; sent NPC youth delegation to US - **European engagement** — Extensive dialogues and exchanges with parliaments of European countries; resumed normal exchanges with European Parliament - **Neighboring countries** — Strengthened friendships and cooperation with parliaments - **Developing nations** — Fostered closer solidarity and cooperation **Results:** Positive role played in enhancing understanding and mutual trust, promoting practical cooperation, consolidating people-to-people friendship, and safeguarding core national interests. ### Multilateral Cooperation The NPC took part in: - **Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament** - **150th and 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union assemblies** - **11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum** - **11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit** - **55th session of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization** - **2025 Parliamentary Hearing at the UN** - Other multilateral events **Advocacy:** On these occasions, the NPC articulated its steadfast stance on: - Practicing true multilateralism - Opposing hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts - Defending international fairness and justice - Advancing world peace and development #### Regional Engagement - **Asian Parliamentary Assembly** — 16th plenary session attended - **ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly** — 46th general assembly participated in as observer - **Latin American Parliament and Central American Parliament** — Strengthened exchanges #### Thematic Dialogues Actively participated in dialogues on: - Youth - Demographics - Climate change - Polar region governance - Cybersecurity - Artificial intelligence Shared China's practices and contributed China's solutions. ### International Communication During international exchanges, the NPC actively shared China's successful practices and elaborated on key concepts and proposals: - Chinese modernization - Vision of a community with a shared future for humanity - Global Development Initiative - Global Security Initiative - Global Civilization Initiative - Global Governance Initiative - High-quality Belt and Road cooperation Additionally, the NPC presented: - China's development achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period - Objectives and tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period - Policies and initiatives for expanding high-standard opening up #### Parliamentarians Seminars Over the past year, six seminars for parliamentarians from developing countries were hosted, including the first-ever session for female African parliamentarians. In total, 187 lawmakers and officials from 48 countries and international or regional parliamentary organizations participated upon invitation. #### Foreign Delegation Local Visits Foreign delegations to China were arranged for local visits, including: - Tours of deputy outreach offices - Liaison offices - Community-level outreach offices - Face-to-face exchanges with local deputies and ordinary citizens - Vivid insights into strengths and effects of whole-process people's democracy and people's congress system ### Core National Interests Defense On matters of core national interests, the NPC: - Reached out to parliaments and parliamentarians of countries concerned - Unequivocally stated China's principled position - Fought resolutely to defend the country --- ## 6. Self-Improvement and Institutional Strengthening ### Four-Fold Role Framework The NPC remains committed to meeting the fundamental requirement that people's congresses function as: 1. **Political institutions** that consciously uphold the Party's leadership 2. **Organs of state power** that ensure the running of the country by the people 3. **Working bodies** that fully exercise the functions conferred by the Constitution and the law 4. **Representative institutions** that always maintain close ties with the people To better fulfill this four-fold role, the NPC intensified comprehensive efforts to strengthen Party self-governance and enhance its own capabilities. ### Strengthening Political Institution Role The NPC: - Continued to build cohesion and forge inner strength with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era - Upheld Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership - Dedicated itself to a people-centered philosophy of development and comprehensive law-based governance - Enhanced holistic thinking and ability to execute - Ensured full implementation of Party's theories, lines, principles, and policies #### Theoretical Study - **Six lectures** hosted to develop deeper understanding of relevant theories - **Six study sessions** organized for leading Party members group - Regular study sessions promoted and integrated into work of special committees and NPC bodies - Theoretical foundation strengthened to enhance political acumen and improve capacity to perform duties ### Work Conduct Improvement The NPC took solid steps to advance the educational campaign on fully implementing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct by: - Integrating study with self-examination and rectification - Building unity and strength through exemplary conduct - Delivering concrete results through solid work - Maintaining strict and impartial rules and discipline - Improving meeting culture and writing style - Consolidating achievements in streamlining meetings and documents - Practicing frugality - Intensifying efforts to eliminate pointless formalities to reduce burdens at primary level #### Pragmatic Work Approach Guided by the principle of seeking truth from facts and following a realistic and pragmatic approach, the NPC: - Faithfully performed duties and diligently fulfilled responsibilities - Committed itself to hard work - Took concrete measures - Pursued tangible results - Maintained close ties with people - Developed deeper connection with them through research within local communities to understand actual conditions - Reinforced public support for work ### Media and Communication The NPC: - Garnered in-depth media coverage for institution building, meetings, and achievements - Strengthened publicity on how NPC deputies, especially those at community level, perform their duties - Secured exclusive interviews with 12 incoming parliamentary leaders from other countries - Prompt publicity of exchange outcomes #### Ideological Work and Media Platforms - Implemented responsibility system for ideological work - Strengthened efforts to develop in-house media and public communication platforms - Held 32nd NPC Journalism Awards #### International Communication - Released multilingual versions of Constitution - Released English translations of 21 laws and decisions - Organized symposium on theory and practice of people's congress system in new era ### Special Committees and Working Bodies The NPC special committees and working commissions and committees: - Earnestly performed statutory functions - Accomplished solid and effective work in leading drafting of laws - Organized and implemented oversight programs - Deliberated bills and reports - Engaged with and served deputies - Conducted foreign exchanges - Prior to session, conducted preliminary review of drafts for 15th Five-Year Plan, annual plan, and annual budget in accordance with law **NPC Bodies Achievements:** - Advanced progress in full and rigorous Party self-governance - Improved cohesion and capabilities of primary-level Party organizations - Developed high-caliber, professional workforce for NPC - Provided meticulous organization and preparation for NPC session, Standing Committee meetings, and special committee meetings - Provided essential support for deputies and committee members to attend events and perform duties ### Coordination with Local People's Congresses The NPC: - Convened national forum on local legislation - Held four study sessions for leading members of standing committees of local people's congresses - Organized two training courses on local legislation - Provided timely briefings to provincial-level people's congresses on relevant work - Earnestly sought feedback and suggestions - Benefited from assistance of local people's congresses in legislative, oversight, deputy-related, and foreign exchange work --- ## Acknowledging Progress and Gaps ### Achievements The achievements made under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core are the result of: - Hard work of dedicated NPC deputies - NPC Standing Committee and special committee members - Employees of NPC bodies - Close collaboration and cooperation from State Council, National Commission of Supervision, Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuratorate, and local people's congresses at all levels and their standing committees - Full trust and strong support of Chinese people of all ethnic groups ### Areas for Improvement The NPC Standing Committee is keenly aware that gaps and shortcomings remain in its work: - Quality of legislation must be further improved - Effectiveness of oversight yet has room to be enhanced - Ability to support deputies in lawfully fulfilling their duties requires constant improvement - Continued efforts needed to further build up competence of staff The Committee takes these issues very seriously and will: - Listen with an open mind to suggestions from all deputies and all sectors of society - Readily place itself under the people's oversight - Strive to strengthen and improve work --- ## The Year Ahead: 2026 Priorities ### 15th Five-Year Plan Context The year 2026 marks the commencement of China's **15th Five-Year Plan**. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the NPC will continue to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the guiding principles from the Party's 20th National Congress and the plenary sessions of its 20th Central Committee, and earnestly carry out the plans made at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee. ### Core Political Principles The NPC must: - Gain deeper understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole - Establish the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era - Become more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership - Stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics - Uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold Central Committee's authority and centralized, unified leadership ### Rule of Law Framework The NPC will thoroughly study and implement: - Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law - General Secretary Xi Jinping's key theory on upholding and improving the people's congress system The NPC will: - Uphold unity of leadership by the Party, running of the country by the people, and law-based governance - Develop whole-process people's democracy - Work to ensure people's congress system is upheld, improved, and implemented successfully - Adhere to general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability - Promote high-quality development in work of people's congresses - Contribute share to strong start for 15th Five-Year Plan --- ## 1. Promoting Comprehensive Implementation of the Constitution Upholding the Constitution as the fundamental code guiding activities, the NPC will: - Exercise functions and powers and perform duties and responsibilities in strict accordance with Constitution - Ensure implementation through well-designed, effective, and fully developed institutions **Actions:** - Refine relevant legal frameworks to fully leverage Constitution's central role in legislation - Conduct rigorous constitutional review and normative document recording and review - Refine institutions and mechanisms for upholding unity of rule of law - Enhance public outreach, education, and theoretical research on Constitution - Share compelling stories about China's Constitution --- ## 2. Improving Socialist Legal System with Chinese Characteristics ### Strategic Emphasis In endeavor to advance rule of law, the NPC will place greater emphasis on: - Aligning rule of law with efforts to deepen reform, promote development, and ensure stability - Paying greater attention to safeguarding and promoting social fairness and justice ### Economic Legislation (Supporting 15th Five-Year Plan) **To develop high-standard socialist market economy, the NPC will:** - **Enact:** State-owned assets law - **Revise:** - Enterprise Bankruptcy Law - Tax Collection and Administration Law - Law on Enterprise State-Owned Assets - Certified Public Accountants Law - Public Bidding Law - Government Procurement Law - Pricing Law - Trademark Law - Urban Real Estate Administration Law ### Financial and Banking Legislation To accelerate development of a financially strong nation, the NPC will: - **Enact:** - Law on finance - Law on financial stability - **Revise:** - People's Bank of China Law - Banking Regulation Law ### Agricultural Legislation Aimed at facilitating efforts to build China into a nation with strong agriculture, the NPC will: - **Enact:** Law on cultivated land protection and quality improvement - **Revise:** Agriculture Law ### Public Wellbeing Legislation In seeking to further support public wellbeing, the NPC will: - **Enact:** - Medical security law - Childcare services law - Social assistance law - Law on protection of overseas Chinese nationals' rights and interests - Law on national fire and rescue personnel - Industrial workforce development law - **Revise:** - Teachers Law - Road Traffic Safety Law ### Justice Legislation As part of commitment to impartial justice, the NPC will: - **Enact:** Law on procuratorial public-interest litigation - **Revise:** - Criminal Procedure Law - Prison Law - Special Maritime Procedure Law ### Anti-Corruption Legislation To advance national anti-corruption legislation, the NPC will: - **Enact:** Law on combating cross-border corruption ### Environmental Protection Legislation In support of environmental protection, the NPC will: - **Enact:** Law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection - **Revise:** - Water Law - Renewable Energy Law ### Emerging Areas The NPC will strengthen research on legislation in: - Artificial intelligence - Other sectors Timely authorization and reform decisions will be made in accordance with law to implement major reform measures. ### Implementation and Promotion The NPC will take effective steps to promote understanding and implementation of: - Ecological and environmental code - Ethnic unity and progress promotion law - National development planning law - Other laws once adopted --- ## 3. Enhancing Targeting and Effectiveness of Oversight In exercising the oversight power conferred upon it by the Constitution and law, the NPC will employ a combination of statutory oversight methods to: - Push for resolution of prominent issues hindering economic and social development - Ensure all work of state is carried out under rule of law ### Law Implementation Inspections The NPC will inspect implementation of six laws: 1. Hainan Free Trade Port Law 2. Tourism Law 3. Food Security Law 4. Vocational Education Law 5. Law on Building Accessible Environments 6. Law on Ecological Conservation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ### Fiscal and Economic Affairs Oversight To strengthen oversight of fiscal and economic affairs, the NPC will hear and deliberate reports on: - Plan implementation - Budget execution - Central final accounts - Auditing - Financial affairs - State-owned asset management - Government debt management - Allocation and use of government funding for public health The NPC will also work to ensure recording and review of fiscal and budgetary matters is carried out effectively. ### Reports from State Institutions The NPC will hear and deliberate reports from the State Council, the National Commission of Supervision, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate on: - Developing a unified national market - Advancing all-around rural revitalization - Improving quality of cultural products and services - Promoting public hospital reform and development - Strengthening health insurance - Protecting the environment - Implementing the resolution on the eighth five-year initiative to increase public legal literacy - Strengthening supervision workforce - Improving people's juror system - Advancing intellectual property procuratorial efforts ### Research Projects The NPC will undertake research projects in various areas with subjects including: - Fostering ethnic unity and progress in new era - Protecting rights and interests of Chinese nationals residing abroad, returned Chinese nationals, and their families in China - Developing high-standard cropland - Managing non-performing assets of state-owned commercial banks - Developing national water network - Strengthening emergency rescue teams - Refining systems to facilitate entry and lives of individuals from outside mainland --- ## 4. Supporting Deputies in Lawful Performance of Duties The NPC will: - Advance and expand scope of work with deputies by fostering closer ties between Standing Committee and deputies and between deputies and public - Help deputies perform their duties more effectively through activities that are better planned, organized, and regulated ### Communication and Participation The NPC will: - Keep deputies informed of updates to work through multiple channels - Regularly seek their views - Deepen their involvement - Support deputies in staying connected with people - Ensure their proposals, suggestions, and deliberation remarks better reflect public input ### Deputy Activities - Deputies will be invited to well-organized inspection tours and research projects - Their proposals and suggestions will be processed and utilized more effectively - Services and support for deputies in performance of duties will be strengthened - Oversight and management of their activities will be enhanced ### Electoral Support Acting on Party Central Committee's plans and requirements and in keeping with relevant laws including the Election Law, the NPC will work toward the success of the new round of elections for people's congresses at the county and township levels nationwide. --- ## 5. Pursuing Vigorous International Engagement Grounded in China's overall diplomatic agenda and guided by head-of-state diplomacy, the NPC will: - Strengthen exchanges and cooperation with foreign parliaments as well as international and regional parliamentary organizations in line with its functions and responsibilities - Deepen exchanges with other countries on national governance experience - Conduct effective communication through thematic and professional dialogues - To safeguard nation's sovereignty, security, and development interests: - Take initiative to state position firmly and unequivocally - Demonstrate both courage and capability to fight back as necessary --- ## 6. Fulfilling the Four-Fold Role ### Party Leadership and Theory Upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, the NPC will: - Strictly enforce systems for Party leadership - Continue to arm itself with innovative Party theories - Resolutely and vigorously implement Party Central Committee's major decisions and plans ### Service to People and Quality Improvement The NPC will: - Launch educational campaign to ensure officials have correct understanding of what it means to perform well and act accordingly - Serve people through solid work - Base efforts on actual conditions and objective laws - Endeavor to continually improve quality and efficiency of work ### Media and Technology The NPC will: - Enrich content provided across all media platforms - Expand reach and enhance impact of media communication efforts - Strengthen research on theory and practice of people's congress system - Harness digital and intelligent technologies to improve work performance ### Party Self-Governance and Discipline The NPC will: - Work to ensure political responsibility for full and rigorous Party self-governance is fulfilled - Ensure staff has stronger awareness of NPC's role as political institution - Make consistent and unremitting efforts to continue improving conduct and enforcing discipline - Strengthen communication and coordination with local people's congresses - Strive together to bring work of people's congresses to next level in new era --- ## Closing Statement Fellow Deputies, Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, maintain firm confidence, build on our momentum, and forge ahead with determination to create new horizons in Chinese modernization. --- **Document Status:** Final approved version delivered March 9, 2026, approved March 12, 2026 **Total Length:** 61,589 characters **Language:** English translation of official report