As China gears up for the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in early March, NPC deputies are at the forefront of addressing the nation's critical challenges. These deputies, representing a diverse range of professions and backgrounds, are actively crafting solutions to key economic, social, and technological issues.
During the 2024 NPC annual session, a record 9,235 proposals were submitted, showcasing the deputies' dedication to fostering development across various sectors. These proposals are meticulously reviewed by 213 agencies, ensuring that the policies reflect the collaborative efforts between lawmakers and government departments.
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
The NPC serves as the supreme organ of state power and the national legislature in China. With nearly 3,000 national level deputies and over 2.5 million across all levels of people's congresses, these representatives play a crucial role in linking the government to the public. Their efforts are pivotal in amending the Constitution, passing laws, approving major policies, and overseeing government actions.
One standout deputy, Huang Li, chairman of a high-tech company, has been instrumental in advancing brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. During the second session of the 14th NPC, Huang proposed the establishment of a national brain science and technology innovation center. This initiative aims to unite experts in neuroscience, engineering, and medicine to push the boundaries of BMI research. His proposal also calls for national standards for clinical BMI applications and expedited regulatory approvals for related medical devices.
In response to these initiatives, the National Science and Technology Ethics Committee introduced ethical guidelines for BMI research in February 2024. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is planning a BMI Standardization Technical Committee to develop regulatory and safety standards. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have released five-year action plans for the BMI industry, highlighting strong governmental support.
Strengthening the Private Sector
Beyond technological advancements, NPC deputies are also focusing on economic development, particularly the private sector. The drafting of the Private Economy Promotion Law exemplifies this commitment. Since 2023, deputies along with members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce have advocated for legislation to protect and promote the private sector. Their efforts have accelerated feasibility studies by relevant government departments.
In February 2023, a legislative symposium organized by the Ministry of Justice, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission initiated the drafting process of this law. The draft is set for a second reading by the NPC Standing Committee and is expected to be adopted later this year.
As the NPC convenes in March, deputies will continue to play an essential role in steering China towards innovative and urgent solutions. Whether it's advancing technology, enhancing public welfare, or strengthening the economy, NPC deputies are dedicated to driving policies that meet both current needs and future aspirations.
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China's NPC deputies spearhead policy reforms across key sectors
cgtn.com
