Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697646014307.pdf (China)
NPC National People’s Congress of China ISSUE 3 · 2016 《中国人大》对外版 VIGOROUSLY PROMOTE CHINA’S NATIONAL ETHOS Members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) watch the live broad- casting of a grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, in Xinfeng Village of Yongtai County, southeast Chi- na’s Fujian Province, July 1.

The grand gathering was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of July 1.
Zhang Guojun SPECIAL REPORT 30 Vigorously promote China’s national ethos Contents Special Report Legislation 6 Zhang Dejiang visits Israel, Pales- tine, Finland and France 12 Liaoning election fraud challenges political system 14 Law on National Defense Transportation aims to strengthen civil-military integration Supervision 20 Multiple measures to ensure a good start of the new Five-Year Plan 26 Mid-year examination vital for budget implementation Focus 29 China’s State Council officials pledge allegiance to the Constitution Opinion 30 Vigorously promote China’s national ethos 33 Make the Civil Code a legal carrier of socialist core values 34 Legal person status of rural organi- zations awaits clarification 36 Disadvantaged group rights better protected 37 Civil Code should fully reflect the principle of ‘Respect and Safeguard Human Rights’ 4 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA 20 Multiple measures to ensure a good start of the new Five-Year Plan NPC 46 Panchen Lama leads first Kalachakra ritual in Tibet in 50 years 42 Guo Jianhua: projecting films 42 years with an unswerving heart Foreign Affairs 38 China’s legislature ratifies Paris Agreement on climate change 40 Inter-regional Seminar for Parliamen- tarians from Asian and African coun- tries inaugurated in Beijing ISSUE 3 · 2016 People 42 Guo Jianhua: projecting films 42 years with an unswerving heart NPC Nationality 46 Panchen Lama leads first Kalachakra ritual in Tibet in 50 years COVER: Two kids frolic at the Hanshan Square in Handan, Hebei Province on Octo- ber 24, 2015.
Local government spends more than 1 million yuan to erect inscribed tablets to promote the Constitution.
Zhang Kuixing General Editorial Office Address: 23 Xijiaominxiang, Xicheng District Beijing 100805,P.R.China Tel: (86-10)6309-8540 (86-10)8308-3891 E-mail: zgrd@npc.gov.cn ISSN 1674-3008 CN 11-5683/D Price:RMB35 Edited by The People’s Congresses Journal Published by The People’s Congresses Journal Printed by Beijing Zhong Ke Printing Co., Ltd. in China ISSUE 3 · 2016 5 SPECIAL REPORT Zhang Dejiang (R, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), holds talks with French Senate President Gerard Larcher (L) in Paris, France, September 27.
Ju Peng Zhang Dejiang visits Israel, Palestine, Finland and France Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Commit- tee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), visited Israel, Palestine, Finland and France at the invitation of Israeli Parliament Speaker Yuli Edelstein, the Palestinian government, Finnish Parliament Speaker Maria Lohela, French National Assembly Speaker Claude Bartolone, and President of the French Senate Ge- rard Larcher, respectively, from September 19 to 28.
Chinese, Israeli leaders pledge to further strengthen bilateral cooperation Chinese and Israeli leaders have pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields such as in- novation, environmental protection, agriculture and biology as well as in the implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The consensus was made during meetings between Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s Na- tional People’s Congress, and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset (parlia- ment) Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
Zhang, who met with Netanyahu shortly after his arrival in the region on September 19 on a four-day official goodwill visit to Israel and Palestine, told the Israeli leader that there are great potential and a broad vista for China and Israel to enhance their cooperation.
It is important to implement key consensus reached be- tween leaders of the two countries and contribute to the achievement of further positive results from bilateral coop- eration in various fields, Zhang stressed, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping has brought countries in the Middle East more opportunities to promote their development.

The initiative refers to building a Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
It is aimed at build- ing a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.
China stands ready to work with Israel to bring into full play the role of the committees on bilateral coopera- tion in economy and technology as well as in innovation, to strengthen their close cooperation in science and technology 6 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Zhang Dejiang (L), chairman of the NPC Standing Com- mittee, holds talks with French National Assembly Speak- er Claude Bartolone in Paris, France, September 27.
Ma Zhancheng Zhang Dejiang (L), chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, holds talks with Speaker of Finnish Parliament Maria Lohela, in Helsinki, Finland, September 23.

Ma Zhancheng innovation and talent development, and to push for early progress in their free trade talks in order to create a better environment for the development of bilateral ties, he said.
China has been committed to contributing to a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue and supports all ef- forts facilitating the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks and the achievement of peaceful co-existence of the two countries, Zhang said.

Netanyahu agreed with Zhang’s pragmatic proposals, say- ing that Israel regards China as a priority cooperation part- ner.
The advantages of the two countries’ economic develop- ment are mutually complementary and there are broad areas for them to conduct cooperation, he said, expressing the hope that both sides will expand cooperation in such fields as in- novation, environmental protection, agriculture and biology.

Israel is willing to participate in Belt and Road Initiative and the activities of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, he added.
While meeting with President Rivlin on September 20, Zhang said that Chinese-Israeli relations have enjoyed sound and stable development since the two countries established diplomatic relations, particularly in recent years, bringing about tangible benefits for both countries and their peoples.
Noting that China and Israel will celebrate the 25th an- niversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year, Zhang hoped that both countries will take the opportunity to lift bilateral relations to a new height.

Rivlin said Israel has been grateful to the Chinese people for their help to the Jewish people during the Second World War and is willing to seize cooperation opportunities and deepen bilateral relations.
During his meeting with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Israel is willing to participate in Belt and Road Initiative and the activities of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Zhang said that the exchanges of the Chinese and Israeli leg- islatures are a key component of bilateral relations.
The two sides should maintain friendly cooperation at all levels, enhance the sharing of experience regarding legislative contributions to national development, and keep optimizing the legislative environment to facilitate cooperation between enterprises of the two countries and their people-to-people exchanges, Zhang said.
Edelstein said that there is a broad consensus in the Knes- set on the development of ties with China and that the Israeli parliament is ready to deepen its exchanges and cooperation with China’s National People’s Congress, and play an active role in consolidating friendship, promoting development, improving the people’s livelihood and protecting the environ- ment.
Before their meeting, Zhang and Edelstein signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for regular exchanges between China’s National People’s Congress and the Knesset.

Zhang also held talks with Isaac Herzog, chairman of Is- rael’s opposition Labor Party.

During the meeting, Zhang said that contacts between political parties are important for promoting relations between countries.
ISSUE 3 · 2016 7 SPECIAL REPORT Zhang Dejiang (L), chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, shakes hands with Israeli Knesset (parliament) Speaker Yuli Edelstein as they sign a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a mecha- nism for regular exchanges between China’s National People’s Congress and the Knesset before their talks, in Jerusalem, September 20.
Ju Peng Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, shakes hands with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah in Ramallah, Pal- estine, September 21.

Ju Peng The Communist Party of China is willing to conduct ex- changes with all Israeli parties including the Labor to push forward the development of Chinese-Israeli relations in an all-round way, he said.
Herzog said his party attaches importance to and looks forward to the strengthening of dialogue and exchanges with China and learn from each other’s useful experience.

During his stay in Israel, Zhang paid a visit to Israel’s Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem, and laid a wreath there to honor millions of Jews perished during the Second World War.
He also visited the Weizmann Institute of Science in central Israel and met with Israeli scientists on science and technology innovation and the commercialization of technol- ogy innovations.

China, Palestine to promote traditional friendship Chinese and Palestinian leaders have expressed the will- ingness to further promote the traditional friendship, imple- menting the relevant initiatives Chinese President Xi Jinping raised earlier this year.
The agreement was made in the meeting between Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, and Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on September 21.

During the meeting, Zhang said that in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a strong appeal in a speech on activating the peace process and promoting reconstruction at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.
Carrying forward the tradition, the historic ties between China and Palestine have entered a new stage with the con- cern of leaders from both sides, said Zhang, adding that the purpose of his visit also focuses on strengthening traditional friendship and promoting cooperation in the fields of invest- ment, culture, education and talent training.

Calling Palestine a good brother and friend, Zhang said China-Palestine relationship has set a good model for Sino- Arab relations and South-South cooperation.
He reiterated that China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their national rights and backs Palestine to join more international organizations.

Furthermore, China thanks Palestine’s open stance back- ing China on South China Sea, said Zhang.

Regarding the Palestinian-Israeli issue, Zhang said the in- ternational community is responsible to support Palestinian people restoring their legitimate national rights.
He stressed that China has been always and will keep its objective and fair stance towards the Palestinian issue, firmly support the peace process and continue to play an active role in regional issues.

Expressing appreciation of China’s long-time support, Hamdallah agreed with President Xi that the Palestinian question should not be marginalized or forgotten.

He hoped China will make a bigger role in the Palestinian- Israeli issue, helping further promote the Palestinian issue in the international arena.
Hamdallah said that China has provided help to Palestine in many areas without political conditions, bringing concrete benefits to the Palestinian people.

He believed China’s successful experiences are valuable for the Palestinians.

Palestine wants to actively participate in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, hoping more favorable poli- cies of China will benefit the Middle East.

During his visit, Zhang also laid a wreath to the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Zhang makes first visit to Finland to enhance ties Chairman Zhang Dejiang said in Helsinki during his two- day visit to Finland on September 24 the Chinese-Finnish 8 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC relationship is a model that two countries with different social systems can develop close cooperation which is ben- eficial for both sides.
Meeting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Zhang said the bilateral relationship between China and Finland is a model of friendship maintained by nations who have different his- tory and culture, social systems and development stages.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Niinisto reached con- sensus in 2013 that the two countries should work to build a future-oriented new type of partnership.

Niinisto said Finland would like to translate the good will to more achievements.
China is willing to enhance the cooperation with Finland on global economic management, climate change and arctic issues, Zhang elaborated.

Given the fact that Finland is a world known innovative country and China is entering a critical period upgrading its industries, the two countries have complementary economic advantages and huge potential in cooperation in many areas, Zhang said when meeting with Prime Minister Juha Sipila.
Joint efforts should be made to explore and deepen co- operation in innovation, environment, tourism, culture and sports, he added.

Zhang said he hopes Finland, a member of the European Union and the euro zone, continues to play an active role in promoting the ties between China and Europe, as well as fa- cilitating free trade and investment.

On his part, Sipila said he congratulated China on the rati- fication of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Stressing the potential of cooperation concerning sustain- able development, Sipila hopes to enhance cooperation on various areas and expects more Chinese tourists to visit Fin- land.

Zhang started the trip at the invitation of Speaker of Finn- ish Parliament Maria Lohela.

Zhang has been the first chief of Chinese legislature to visit Finland since the two countries established diplomatic relationship in 1950.
The trip also highlighted the 60th anniversary of ex- changes between the two countries’ legislatures.

In 1956, a 13-member Finnish parliamentary delegation visited China and was invited to attend a session of China’s National Peo- ple’s Congress.

Talking with Lohela, Zhang said he hopes to level up the current cooperation between the two legislatures, strengthen the mutual understanding and trust.
The two countries should continue to improve economic ties, as well as to promote cultural exchanges, Zhang added.

Lohela assured that the Finnish Parliament would play an active role in promoting friendship, improving cooperation and facilitating cultural exchanges.
Briefing the latest development of the reform and opening- up in China and the new strategy the Chinese ruling party is adopting, Zhang attached China’s achievements to the insis- tence on the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the socialist road with Chinese characteristics and the people’s congress system.

He said the Chinese people are confident in realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
The two sides also exchanged opinions on international and regional issues of common concerns.

During the trip in Finland, Zhang attended a forum of Chinese-Finnish enterprises, and visited Aavi Technologies, a Finnish company producing filter free air purifiers that has been purchased by a Chinese investor.

Chinese, French leaders vow to boost ties, cooperation Chairman Zhang Dejiang and French leaders have voiced their willingness to strengthen ties and cooperation.
Zhang met with French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister Manuel Valls, National Assembly Speaker Claude Bartolone, and Senate President Gerard Larcher dur- ing his four-day visit to France, which concluded on Septem- ber 27.

China-France relations have witnessed all-round progress in recent years and entered a new era in their comprehensive strategic partnership, Zhang told Hollande.
He spoke of the successful meeting between Chinese Presi- dent Xi Jinping and Hollande at the Group of 20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou in earlier September, saying it has infused fresh momentum into the development of bilateral ties.

Zhang said the two sides should actively carry out the agreements reached by the two heads of State, seek win-win cooperation and deepen friendly cooperation.
China is willing to cooperate with France on international issues and jointly boost the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the results of the Hang- zhou Summit, Zhang added.

Hollande said France always pays great importance to the development of its relationship with China, and stands ready to further deepen practical cooperation in various ways.
He spoke highly of China’s approval of the Paris Agree- ment and the positive results achieved by the Hangzhou Summit, saying his country is willing to join hands with China to cope with global challenges.

When meeting Valls, Zhang said China-France coopera- tion is built on a solid foundation and has huge potential and broad prospects.
The two sides should strengthen ties in such fields as nuclear energy, aviation, finance, third-party markets and sustainable development and create a sound environment for their respective enterprises to cooperate, he said.

Zhang stressed China’s support for Europe’s integration, saying his country will continue to deepen China-Europe practical relations.

He voiced his hope that France, as a core country in the European Union, will continue to play a constructive role in China-Europe relations.
Valls said bilateral relations are at their best in history and France is willing to strengthen trade with China.

During his respective meetings with Bartolone and Larch- er, Zhang said exchanges and cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies are an important part of the Chi- na-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

He called for improving the legal environment for both countries to work together.
Bartolone and Larcher said the French National Assembly and Senate are ready to deepen ties with the NPC to contrib- ute to the development of relations.

During his visit, Zhang also attended a series of events highlighting the ties between the two countries.

(Xinhua) ISSUE 3 · 2016 9 OPINION PICTURE Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, hold talks with Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko in Beijing on Sep- tember 9.
Pang Xinglei and Mao Jianjun 10 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Com- mittee, holds talks with Namibian National Assem- bly speaker Peter Katjavivi in Beijing on August 29.

Zhang Duo and Mao Jianjun Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, holds talks with Cambodia’s National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin in Beijing on July 25.
Ding Lin and Sheng Jiapeng ISSUE 3 · 2016 11 SPECIAL REPORT Liaoning election fraud challenges political system Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Commit- tee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said on September 13 that the Liaoning electoral fraud challenged the bottom line of the Chinese political system, and that a zero-tolerance approach would be taken toward any offences in elections.

Zhang made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 23rd meeting of the 12th NPC Standing Committee.
Zhang said the meeting provisionally convened according to relevant laws and had important content of great signifi- cance.

At the meeting attendees approved a report nullifying the election of some national lawmakers by the Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress.

Attendees decided that the election of 45 NPC deputies by the first session of the 12th Liaoning Provincial People’s Con- gress was invalid.
The meeting also made a decision that a preparatory panel should be established for the 7th session of the 12th Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress.

Zhang said the electoral bribery in Liaoning was the first of its kind to take place at provincial level since the People’s Republic of China was founded, which seriously violated the Party’s discipline, State laws and rules.
The case seriously violated organizational and electoral discipline and the electoral system of the people’s congress system, Zhang added.
It challenged the people’s congress system, the socialist democratic politics and the State laws and Party disciplines, 12 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA Liaoning election fraud challenges political system NPC Zhang Dejiang (C), chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s Na- tional People’s Congress (NPC), presides over the 23rd meeting of the 12th NPC Standing Committee in Beijing on September 13.
Gao Jie ment by the election-organizing institutions and responsible persons, as they turned a blind eye to foul play.

Some candidates used money to manipulate the election, engaging in blatant election fraud; some NPC deputies broke laws and received bribes from candidates as if that was an implicit rule, Zhang said.

He added that some NPC officials and staff, though legally aware, still acted as go-betweens for candidates to rig the election.
Zhang cautioned officials to stay vigilant and learn lessons from the case.

The NPC is the organ of State power, ensuring the Party’s plans become wills of the State through legal procedures, candidates recommended by Party organizations become of- ficials through legal procedures, and the Party exercise lead- ership through State organs, Zhang said.

He said NPC deputies should defend the rule of law and firmly oppose election rigging as well as other legal and disci- plinary transgressions.
Democratically electing NPC deputies is the foundation of the country’s NPC system, said Zhang.

From this year, people’s congresses at all levels will face elections, he said, demanding serious reflection on and les- sons be drawn from the electoral fraud in Liaoning and an earlier one in Hengyang, Hunan province, Zhang said.
“The trading of power and money must be eliminated from electoral procedures, and socialist democracy under the rule of law must not be undermined in any form,” the top legisla- tor noted.

The Party’s leadership over the NPC, especially the deputy election work, must be upheld and elections should be orga- nized in accordance with the law, Zhang added.

Zhang also vowed that a “zero tolerance” approach would be implemented to crack down on the crimes of election rig- ging and malpractice.
“To ensure clean elections, we will show no mercy and will not forgive those who violate discipline and laws,” Zhang said.

(Xinhua) said Zhang.

It also challenged the bottom line of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and the bottom line of the Com- munist Party of China (CPC)’s ruling status, according to Zhang.
Thoroughly investigating and dealing with the Liaoning electoral bribery in accordance with the law, shows a clear attitude and firm determination to comprehensively imple- ment the rule of law and strengthen Party discipline by the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as general secretary, Zhang said.

The move safeguarded the authority and dignity of the people’s congress system and the socialist rule of law.
Zhang said the electoral fraud exposed weak law enforce- ISSUE 3 · 2016 13 LEGISLATION Law on National Defense Transportation aims to strengthen civil-military integration The 22nd meeting of the Standing Commit- tee of the 12th National People’ Congress concluded on the morning of September 3, unanimously approving the National De- fense Transportation Law.
Huang Weiye, staff officer of Logistic Department of Central Military Commission and deputy director of National Transportation Combat-readiness Office said after the meeting that the law is of great significance in optimizing economic resources allocation, shar- ing information, improving strategic projection and defense transportation service in peaceful time and in emergency cases, better coordinating economic devel- opment and defense building, safeguarding national security and interests.
14 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA Law on National Defense Transportation aims to strengthen civil-military integration NPC Photo taken on April 27 shows the ship Xiangtan escorting Chaohu in Aden Bay.

The 23rd Chinese navel escort fleet, which consists of three ships, Xiangtan, Zhoushan and Chaohu, arrived the Aden Bay near So- malia to join the 22nd fleet.
Zhang Hailong Lifeline for the army to combat and to win China started building its defense transportation during wartime before the People’s Republic of China was estab- lished, and grew after reform and opening up.

It is part of war preparation.

China attaches great importance to developing defense transportation, and has accomplished a number of transpor- tation projects as required by strategic situations of various periods.

Several decades ago, quite a lot of major highways and railways were built.
Special fund was set up back in 1960s for building defense highways and border highways.

Entering the new era, the central and local governments earmarked more funds in order to improve strategic trans- portation network covering major military forces, border de- fense and coast defense.

National defense transportation has set a good example for civil-military integration.

At the same time, related legislation is underway.


On Feb- ruary 24, 1995, the State Council and Central Military Com- mission issued Regulation on National Defense Transporta- tion.

Over the past 21 years, the regulation system has played an important role in pushing forward defense transportation development and safeguarding related activities, said Huang.

However, as the economy develops rapidly and the mili- tary reform goes on, we are confronted with new problems and challenges.
It is difficult for old regulations to meet new demands, so we need a fundamental and comprehensive law As the economy develops rapidly and the military reform goes on, we are confronted with new problems and challenges.

The 22nd Chinese navel escort fleet arrives in Cape- town port on May 16, commencing a four-day good- will visit to South Africa.

The fleet consists of three ships, Daqing, Qingdao and Taihu.
Song Fangcan ISSUE 3 · 2016 15 LEGISLATION covering various aspects of defense transportation and ad- dressing outstanding problems at present.

The National De- fense Law will meet the urgent need of safeguarding national security and interests, promoting civil-military integration, and enhancing the strategic projection capability.

Civil-military integration service in peaceful time, in emergency cases and during war- time, better coordinating economic development and defense building.
The law also clarifies functions of different institutions, encourages citizens and organizations to participate in de- fense transportation building and provide policy and fund support according to the law.

Civil-military integration is one of the major concerns in the law-drafting process, also a key focus of NPC Standing Committee deliberation.

Deng Changyou, member of NPC Standing Committee and former air force political commissar, takes an airport construc- tion for example.
In the past, local government built express- ways without consulting the military force which was in need of a runway, so another airport was built in stead.

When the military built an airport, civil aviation was beyond their con- sideration, hence a huge waste of resources.
Deng said that as the transportation capability of local areas have been increased by a large margin; the newly-approved law is for fully mobiliz- ing the civil-use capability for defense transportation when disasters, wars and other urgent cases happen.
Huang Xianzhong, member of NPC Standing Committee and former political commissar of Shenyang Military Area Command, holds that the law is about better coordination between military force and local government, without which things can hardly be done in areas related to both.

After fully soliciting opinions from the pubic, the law incorporates the article of promoting civil-military integra- tion in transportation area.
It stipulates that the State sticks to civil-military integration strategy, optimizing resources and sharing information, improving defense transportation Basic system of defense transportation improved When drafting the law, said Huang Weiye, we follow the spirit of a series of Party conferences and speeches delivered by President Xi, take into consideration of civil-military inte- gration and safeguarding military logistic support, and estab- lish the basic system suited to the socialist market economy and helps accomplish military tasks of various kinds.
The principles are as follows: Deepening civil-military integration.

We aim at op- timizing resources and sharing information between military forces and local governments.

On the one hand, various invest- ment, technologies and forces should be mobilized to defense Civil-military integration is one of the major concerns in the law-drafting process, also a key focus of NPC Standing Committee deliberation.
PLA motor troops from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau military depots transport freight and goods to the frontier junctures in Tibet.

Zou Xiaoqing 16 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Traffic brigade of the Chinese military forces depart from Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, bounding for the China-Nepal frontier to repair the damaged road on July 13.
Zhao Yan transportation; on the other hand, the outcome of defense transportation development should better serve economic growth, thus obtaining coordinated, balanced and compatible development of economy and defense transportation.

Strengthening strategic projection capability.


We need to clarify duties, responsibilities, rights and interests of different parties, including military force, local government, enterprises, social institutions and citizens, regulating man- agement system, operation mechanism and policy institu- tion, building the modern strategic projection system with the military as the backbone and the civil as the main body.

Being market-oriented.


We put people first, follow market rules, and establish interest guiding mechanism, so as to arouse the enthusiasm of the public to participate in defense transportation activities.

Also, the responsibilities, duties, rights and interests should be consistent with each other.

Improving basic systems.


The system should be im- proved in various aspects, including planning, consultation between the military force and local government, implement- ing defense requirements, material storage, award and pun- ishment, thus becoming the most important and authorita- tive one.

Summarizing experiences from practices.

From the defense transportation practice over a long period of time, we have accumulated a lot of experiences based on the national conditions of our country.
Those experiences include peace- war combined operation, civil-military integration, and co- operation among military-affiliated enterprises, government- affiliated enterprises, and private enterprises, intermingled use of infrastructures and so on.

We summarize and general- ize the experiences which were proved to be correct and suc- cessful, and incorporate them into the law.

Being problem-oriented.

The law is for addressing problems.


What we do is to make sure that the law is well-di- rected, practical, and can be implemented into practice.
An- other important factor is the connectibility with other laws, including Law of the People’s Republic of China on National Defense, National Defense Mobilization Law of the People’s Republic of China, Railway Law of the People’s Republic of China, Highway Law of the People’s Republic of China, Port Law of the People’s Republic of China, and Civil Aviation Law of the People’s Republic of China.
Huang said that the law summarizes historical experienc- es, embodies requirements of new era, combining our own national conditions and good practice of other countries to- gether, and is welcomed by those who work in defense trans- portation area.

With the law coming into force, the defense transportation will embark on the road of the rule of law and standardization.
(NPC) ISSUE 3 · 2016 17 LEGISLATION PLA improves strategic projection capability Strategic projection capability is an integral part of the compre- hensive strength and military power.

Over the past few years, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has improved its projection capability from single branch to multi-branches, from single mode to a com- prehensive one including railway, highway, waterway and aviation.

The projection reaches much further than before, going beyond the border.
On August 29, the second reading of the draft law on national defense transportation was held during the meeting of NPC Stand- ing Committee.

As the first defense-related law after the 18th CPC National Congress, it is expected to largely increase the projection capability of the military.
Development of projection capability Since July, the PLA has successively held a series of military exercises across regions, including the recent one taking place in Zhurihe, Inner Mongolia, which was the very first combat exercise right after the massive reform in integrating the services within the military.

Previously, the troops participating in exercises are notified before hand.
However, the one in Zhurihe randomly selected five brigades from armored brigades and infantry brigades in five military com- mands, which headed all the way to the training ground.

The military exercise director, bearing the intention in mind, equipped those brigades with army aviation, artillery and other branches, forming a heavy brigade.
The exercise is consisted of seven parts, namely, combat readiness, distance projection, battle- field response, organizing system, implementing system, firearms and summary.

An armored brigade called “night tiger” was chosen from the first group army of the eastern war area.
After being ordered to join the exercise, the first group army also called two army aviation teams, over 20 helicopters, artillery, scouts and logistic supporting team, together with the armored brigade, constituting a synthetic brigade of more than 5,000 people.

Then this synthetic one is divided into 6 motorized columns, 11 railway marshalling, and one air formation, sending all heavy equipments to Zhurihe, over 2,000 kilometers away.
The projection took 11 days and all equipments were deployed in position on July 15.

Other synthetic brigades also equipped themselves and headed to the base for exercise.

From the distance projection, we can clearly tell the national strength especially the military power of one country, because the projection capability decides whether the troops can reach furthest point of the country and the place where the country needs them most.
With the development of large transportation equipment, the projection capability of the PLA in general has been increased and the gap with that of the United States and other Western countries has been narrowed, especially short-and-medium distance projection within the border.
In 1990s, the massive projection capability of US army in Persian Gulf War, Kosovo War, and the Afghanistan War heavily shocked the PLA which realized its own problem and tried to speed up deploy- ment of armed force and equipment projection.

Later on, it has become the priority of the PLA to improve its projection capability, basically the large transport equipment.

A lot of large landing ships and large transport planes were built and trans- region exercises were held to test their capability.
As China’s overseas interests grow, the military needs to improve its response capability.

The 2015 Defense White Paper put overseas interests security as the fourth important matter, after sovereignty and security, national unity as well as security and interests in new types of areas such as cyberspace.
Against the backdrop of military reform, all services, including the army, the navy, the air force and the rocket force, have respectively expanded their own combat space and ask for stronger projection capability to support their development.

Management mechanism lags behind There are two levels in the current management system of de- fense transportation in China.

One is the State level and the other is the military level.
For the State level, the readiness planning group was established under the Central Military Commission as early as in 1963.

Then in 1978, the group was put under jurisdiction of both the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

In November 1994, National Defense Mobilization Commission was established and made the group as one of its offices.
There are two offices in charge of defense transportation mobi- lization, one is the economic mobilization office under the National Development and Reform Commission, the other is the transporta- tion readiness office under the Logistic Department of the PLA.

The latter plays the major role.

The local government above county level also established defense commission, with economic mobilization office and transportation readiness office under jurisdiction of differ- ent departments.
Transportation troops were dispatched to railways, waterways and airports for direct mobilization.

For the military level, there are many related departments.

The former military transportation department under the general logis- tic department is in charge of the overall transportation affairs, the equipment department is responsible for the technology mainte- nance, and different troops have their own transportation teams.
The military transportation is in the charge of the military transpor- tation department under the general logistic department.

The head of the military transportation department usually also takes the position of the director of the transportation readiness office.

The military transportation academy affiliated to the logistic department is the only institution which trains high-level talents in the area of military transportation and military equipment.
According to the current system, the organization of strategic projection is under the jurisdiction of military transportation depart- ment.

The defense transportation of central level is in the charge of the military but that of the grassroots level is part of the responsibility of local government.

The army puts forward request, the mobilization 18 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA PLA improves strategic projection capability commission coordinates and the government implements.
The military transportation department doesn’t have its own equipment to carry out transportation, instead, it coordinates, su- pervises and inspects rather than commands and dispatches, which cannot meet the request of projection tasks, causing overlapping responsibility between the government and the military.

One of the problems is insufficient fund and confused supply of fund.

Therefore, the military, the government, and the enterprise shift duties to each other.
The result is that those involved in the trans- portation and defense building cannot get enough and timely fund support.

Then it is urgent to have a unified fund system to guarantee the clear division of responsibilities.

Increasing voice is heard from the public to upgrade the management system of defense transportation.
After the 18th CPC National Congress, deputies from the military as well as the local governments proposed civil-military integration for many times, calling for formulating the defense transportation law with Chinese characteristics.

In April 2013, 11 ministries and com- missions under the State Council jointly reported the draft of defense transportation law to the State Council and the Central Military Commission, and submitted it to the NPC Standing Committee for deliberation.
It is clarified in the draft that the law is to promote civil-military integration in transportation area.
As for the transportation support of overseas military action, the draft wrote that the overseas missions, enterprises and overseas organizations involved in international transportation should provide assistance to international rescue, maritime escort and other military actions safeguarding our overseas national interests, including offer supply and maintenance of ships, planes, vehicles and personnel participating the action.
After the military transportation reform this time, projection ca- pability was attached more importance.

The military transportation department was renamed transportation and projection department, and those who work for the department was called staff officer in- stead of assistant.

The change of wording reflects change of mindset which highlights the priority of speed in modern wars.
Civil-military integration pushed forward Over the past several decades, we have had a relatively compre- hensive network of railway, highway, waterway and aviation trans- portation, with the projection equipment taking a huge leap forward.
However, we are aware of the fact that the maritime and air trans- portation is still the weakest part of the projection capability, which restrains the quick and effective transportation over long distance on the occasions of emergencies, and can hardly cope with various security threats.

Among four kinds of projection, air projection is the weakest one.

There are only a few large transport planes which are not fully quali- fied for projection.
Although Yun-20 is expected to change the status quo, it still takes time.

Maritime transportation is an important force of battle support.

However, the fleets can not satisfy the need of maritime transporta- tion, especially the long distance support.

Although we have the Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft and the type 071 amphibious transport docks, we are still in shortage of large landing ships and transport ships.

Railway is the major way of strategic projection.


Despite the high speed, there are not enough flatcars to support the wartime trans- NPC portation.

Over the recent years, the production of flatcars for military purpose is decreasing year by year, because the railway transpor- tation industry doesn’t want to invest so much in war readiness.

In addition, special equipments such as killer weapons and super weapons still face the problem of insufficient ways in uploading, downloading and transportation.
In the meantime, the capacity of heavy-loading transportation via highway is low.

The motorized capacity can deal with the short-dis- tance transportation, but for the medium-and-long distance projec- tion, it fails to meet the demand.

The capability of the existing heavy-loading transportation team is so limited that it can only transport a heavy tank battalion to the battle front thousand miles away within the given time.
Civil-military integration is considered to be the best way to solve transportation incapacity.

2009 was called the year of military exer- cise, with as many as 18 big exercises all through the year, exceed- ing the number of other years.

Long distance projection incapacity is one of the problems we found during the exercises.
To address the problem, civil aviation, high-speed railway, maritime transportation and large logistic transportation enterprises were put into the support system of transportation projection in the subsequent years, which is seen as good practice of civil-military integration.

In September 2014, projection training was held by one brigade of the 40th group army.
During the training, air-drop, maritime ship- ping, railway transport, highway motorized transport were used at the same time, which was never done before.

On March 23, one of the tank battalion of the 40th group army, after receiving emergent order, transported heavy equipments to the place two hours before the designated time with the help of large flatbed truck of local transport companies.
Currently, for the brigade-level projection over long distance, motorized transport, railway, maritime transport and air transport are all used, costing two-thirds less of the time than before.

An analyst with military background said that we used to depend on motorized or railway transportation for projection.

It takes time because the personnel and equipment arrived in many batches.
Now the trans- portation become more comprehensive and efficient, thus the projec- tion capability was substantially increased.

(China News Weekly) Picture taken shows the spiral road in Mount Tianmen, Zhangjiajie.

Shao Ying ISSUE 3 · 2016 19 SUPERVISION Multiple measures to ensure a good start of the new Five-Year Plan The China-made large passenger aircraft C919 that was developed by the Commer- cial Aircraft Corporation of China rolls off the production line in Pudong, Shanghai on November 2, 2015.
Pei Xin 20 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA Multiple measures to ensure a good start of the new Five-Year Plan This year marks the beginning of the 13th Five-Year Plan.

On August 31, Xu Sha- oshi, chairman of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), made a report on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan to the 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 12th Na- tional People’s Congress (NPC) of China.
On September 1, the NPC Standing Committee held group discussions to deliberate on the report.

According to members of the NPC Standing Com- mittee, this year, against complicated international and domestic environments, all localities and depart- ments fully carried out major decisions made by the central government.
China’s GDP and State revenue grew steadily, the pace of industrial transformation and upgrading accelerated, five major tasks of the supply-side structural reform made steady headway, new driving forces in economic growth developed rapidly, environmental protection and ecological im- provement yielded outstanding results, and income of rural and urban residents as well as social welfare continued to improve, all of which are hard won and thus should be cherished.
It is proposed by members of the NPC Standing Committee that more concrete measures should be taken to reduce burdens of private companies, push forward targeted poverty alleviation, and promote targeted supply-side structural reform, etc.

Later on, these suggestions will be delivered to the State Council to be studied in order to form a written re- sponse to the NPC Standing Committee.
NPC Photo taken on April 12 shows the Qianhai Shekou district of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone one year after the zone was officially inaugurated.

Mao Siqian GDP growth rate in the first half year of 2016 was 6.7 percent, same as that of the first quarter, which is still one of the fastest growths among major economies.
To realize annual goals of economic and social development: focus and confidence are needed Xu revealed this year’s main statistics on economy in his report: GDP growth rate in the first half year of 2016 was 6.7 percent, same as that of the first quarter, which is still one of the fastest growths among major economies.
With regard to the achievement of supply-side structural reform, Xu gave some examples: overcapacity reduction was carried out resolutely with 45 million tons of steel and iron production reduced and 250 million tons of coal production being reduced.

A series of measures were taken to destock unsold homes, such as to rebuild shanty towns, make full use of housing provident fund, pay more attention to the needs of migrant workers, etc.
As a result, residential housing for sale has been on downward trend for five consecutive months.

Active and prudent efforts were made to deleverage and regulate equity financing.

At the end of July, the debt ratio of above-scale industrial enterprises decreased by 0.7 percent yearly.

Comprehensive measures were taken to reduce cost, including to replace business tax with value-added tax, to reduce the contribution ratio of social insurance, and to cut down electricity price, etc.
During the first seven months, profit of above-scale industrial enterprises increased by 6.9 ISSUE 3 · 2016 21 SUPERVISION percent.

Greater efforts were made to promote poverty alle- viation, scientific and technological innovation, and ecologi- cal and environmental protection.

Investment in water con- servancy project, agriculture, and environmental protection grew at a rate over 20 percent.
Xu pointed out that “One Belt One Road” initiative and in- ternational cooperation on production capacity were pushed forward steadily, with more than 70 countries and interna- tional organizations engaged.

Till now, China has signed “One Belt One Road” cooperative agreement with 30 countries and cooperative agreement on production capacity with over 20 countries.

Six international economic cooperative gateways have made preliminary achievement.
Major projects of rail- way, nuclear power, steel and iron are developing rapidly.

Xu said, in the first half of this year, the overall national economy realized steady development.

However, the basis of economic growth is still unstable and faced with great down- ward pressure.

Therefore, we should step up reform in key areas.

As China’s economy has entered a period of New Normal, more efforts should be made to develop new driving forces of economic growth.
Xu stressed that we should further develop strategic emerging industry, issue relevant development plans, and work out measures concerning “Made in China As China’s economy has entered a period of New Normal, more efforts should be made to develop new driving forces of economic growth.

22 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA The China-made tun- nel boring machine produced by Jinan H e a v y M a c h i n e r y C o .

, L t d .

r o l l s o f f production line on May 17 in Shandong Province.
Xu Suhui NPC More pragmatic measures and policy support are needed to lighten burdens of private enterprises.

Three hundred and fifty cars, which were produced by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd., are ready to be exported to Brazil in Lianyungang Port, Jiangsu Province, January 9.

Wang Chun 2025” in the second half of the year.


Members of the NPC Standing Committee believed that in general the implementation of China’s national economic and social development plan is encouraging and economic fundamentals remain sound and steady, but China’s econom- ic growth is faced with both great downward pressure and daunting challenges.
Vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, includ- ing Shen Yueyue, Zhang Ping and Chen Zhu, stressed that stable macro-economic policies are needed to stabilize mar- ket, foster confidence, and ensure strategic stability.

Mean- while, we should be fully prepared facing difficulties and turn pressure into a driving force so as to play a more active role.
Particularly, we should vigorously carry out polices made by the central government, such as those concerning supply-side structural reform, in a bid to realize our goals of economic and social developments.

More pragmatic measures are needed to lighten burdens of enterprises The difficult situations faced by private enterprises caught the attention of members of the NPC Standing Committee.

Xu also talked about “motivate and protect entrepreneurship”.
As the world’s largest radio telescope, the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang County, Southwest China’s Guizhou Prov- ince, measuring 500 meters in diameter, is completed and put into use on September 25.

Liu Xu Lü Wei, member of the NPC Standing Committee pointed out that the investment of private sectors was decreasing in the first seven months.
“There may be multiple reasons, some of which are reasonable, and some of which are rooted from ineffective implementation of policies.” “On the one hand, because of overcapacity and lack of new economic driving forces, it is not profitable for entrepreneurs to invest.

On the other hand, there exists unfair treatment and it is hard for some of the entrepreneurs to get financial resources, for example, some banks are too afraid to grant loans to private companies due to overcapacity,” said Lü.
Lü said that it was important to ensure fair competition between State-owned and private enterprises, encourage active performance of private enterprises, and create better investment environment.

At the same time, more pragmatic measures and policy support are needed to lighten burdens of private enterprises in order to make private economy an important component of our economic and social develop- ment.
Member Gu Shengzu said, “private investment is so im- portant that 80 percent of China’s jobs in total and 90 per- cent new jobs are created by it, whose impact on economic development is significant”.

He believed that special polices should be made to stimulate non-government investment.

ISSUE 3 · 2016 23 SUPERVISION Visitors enjoy the scenery on July 26 at Hehe Wetland Park in Handian Township, Zouping County, Shandong Province.

Recycled water is used in the park.


Zhang Kerong First, encourage transformation and upgrading of private sectors and explore new market.

Second, relax control on market access.

Third, optimize financial system that caters to real economy.

Fourth, take multiple measures to reduce cost and regulate government behavior at the same time.

Fifth, improve property rights system and make stable and consis- tent policies so that private entrepreneurs can feel at ease.
Sixth, establish new type of government-business relations with more incentive for government officials and more stable profit for investors.

Step up targeted poverty alleviation efforts Targeted poverty alleviation was pushed forward, new evaluation mechanism was established, and 340,000 relocat- ed residents received vocational training…these facts aroused interest of many members of the NPC Standing Committee in the meeting.
Member Su Hui pointed out that current poverty alleviation efforts still fell behind schedule.

Our task is to lift more than Targeted poverty alleviation was pushed forward, new evaluation mechanism was established, and 340,000 relocated residents received vocational training.

80 million households out of poverty within five years, i.e.

over 16 million households each year.


It is hoped that NDRC should urge localities to step up poverty alleviation efforts otherwise we will face greater pressure as time goes on.

Member Che Guangtie suggested promoting poverty relief via industrial development which he believed to be the key of targeted poverty relief efforts.

Although China has tried hard to reduce poverty in impoverished area, those areas are still facing difficulties in industrial development.
Judging from the situation in rural areas, due to low and unstable profit of agriculture, the number of migrant workers from rural areas is increasing, exerting great impact on agricultural development.

24 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA Che also suggested that poverty relief via industrial de- velopment should be market-oriented.

It should take diver- sified investment with sustained profit.
Moreover, private enterprises, social organizations, and individuals should be encouraged to take part in modern agricultural development through various platforms such as “companies plus agricul- tural basis plus rural households”.

Member Luo Liangquan proposed that more support should be provided to develop agriculture, especially rural infrastructure.

It is also of great importance to speed up ag- ricultural modernization, ensure agricultural subsidy, and carry out rural livelihood projects.
Accurate supply-side structural reform Luo stressed that there should be accurate supply-side structural reform.

We should properly handle key issues con- cerning the reform, motivate the enthusiasm of all sharehold- ers, and take effective measures.

Take overcapacity reduction for example, accurate goals and measures should be in place in order to achieve tangible results and boost healthy devel- opment of enterprises in coal, steel and iron sectors.
Com- panies that are technologically backward, environmentally unfriendly, and insolvent should be closed down.

Besides, it is essential to improve relevant social security institutions in order to help laid-off workers find new jobs and maintain ba- sic living necessities.

According to member Li Shenglin, there are many short- comings in the supply-side structural reform, especially in terms of failing to meet the needs of consumers.
Therefore, we should let market play a decisive role in resource alloca- tion, release market vitality, and stimulate the enthusiasm of government officials, entrepreneurs and specialists, creating driving forces of economic transformation.

Gan Daoming, an NPC deputy, said that a clear guideline should be issued by decision-makers to pilot the expectation of market entities.
While implementing the major tasks of the supply-side structural reform, we should study and solve current difficulties and problems so as to advance reform of major areas.

Overcapacity reduction should be in line with five concepts of development Xu stressed in his report that efforts should be focused on supply-side structural reform in the latter half of the year.
Our major tasks include overcapacity reduction, reduction of unsold houses, deleveraging, lowering costs, among which capacity reduction is our primary job.

Member Peng Sen pointed out that overcapacity reduction is the core of supply-side structural reform.

Although many effective measures have been taken since the beginning of the year, most measures are so heavily relied on administrative management that market price fluctuation will cause great difficulty for our capacity reduction efforts.
Member Wang Wanbin suggested that we should seize op- portunities to carry out overcapacity reduction in line with five concepts of development.

To be specific, eliminate back- ward production capacity in combination of national goals of environmental and ecological development, in combination of new national standards, in combination of localization of NPC major equipment, and in combination of integrated urban and rural development.
As many cities of our country suffer water shortage, it is essential for those cities to promote de- velopment in accordance with water supply and look into key problems of economic development.

By doing so, overcapac- ity reduction will turn into new opportunity for development.

(NPC) Photo taken on March 17, 2015 shows people chat at a business incuba- tor in Zhongguancun, Beijing.

China sees a wave of Chuangke, makers in Chinese as the government cuts red tape and makes things easy for start-ups.
Luo Xiaoguang A woman villager passes a new building in Huashi Village, Jinzhai County in Anhui Province on May 7.

The average income of local farmers surpassed 8,500 yuan in 2015 thanks to the poverty alleviation policies adopted in the county.

Wang Lei ISSUE 3 · 2016 25 SUPERVISION People consult taxation policies at a taxation bureau in Zhengzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Henan Province on September 27.
Yin Gang Mid-year examination vital for budget implementation Supervising budget implementation is an important responsibility of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

As we are over halfway to the end of 2016, what is the balance of revenue and expenditure of China’s fiscal budget?

At the 22nd meeting of the 12th NPC Standing Committee held in late August to early Septem- ber, an important agenda was to review the report on bud- get implementation.
Budget implementation in line with expectations budget implementation, we still face some challenges such as inefficient use of funds and local debt risks, which requires special attention and effective solutions.

On the afternoon of August 31, authorized by the State Council, Lou Jiwei, minister of Finance, made a report on the implementation of this year’s budget.

On the morning of Sep- tember 1, the report was reviewed in panels.
During the deliberations, members of the NPC Standing Committee and non-voting attendants said that since the beginning of this year, the State Council and local govern- ments at all levels have consistently adhered to the pace of steady progress, implemented central government’s decisions and the newly-revised budget law, steadily carried forward the reform of fiscal and tax system, and ensured the smooth implementation of annual budget as well as economic and social development.
Despite some hard-won achievements on Lou mentioned in the report that the budget was well implemented this year while financial sectors at all levels se- riously implemented the proactive fiscal policy.

In the respect of general public budget, from January to July, revenue in general public budgets nationwide totaled 10.0284 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.5 percent.

Expen- ditures in general public budgets nationwide amounted to 10.1933 trillion yuan, up 13 percent.
Revenue in the central government’s general public budget amounted to 1.5159 tril- lion yuan, an increase of 4.8 percent and accounting for 55.4 percent of the total.

In the respect of government-managed funds and bud- get, from January to July, revenue from government- managed funds nationwide totaled 2.1968 trillion yuan, an 26 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC increase of 9.4 percent.

Expenditures related to government- managed funds came to 1.9917 trillion yuan, an increase of 2.7 percent.
In the respect of State-owned capital management bud- get, from January to July, budgetary revenue from State capi- tal operations nationwide totaled 93 billion yuan.

Budgetary expenditures on State capital operations nationwide totaled 67.6 billion yuan.

In the respect of social insurance fund budget, according to Human Resources and Social Security statistics, from Jan- uary to June, revenue from social security funds nationwide totaled 2.4381 trillion yuan, an increase of 10.7 percent.
Expenditures from social security funds nationwide totaled 1.9926 trillion yuan, an increase of 8.7 percent.

By the end of June, the national social insurance fund accumulated a surplus of 6.3976 trillion yuan.

Members of the NPC Standing Committee agreed that implementation of the above budget was in line with expecta- tions.
Member Feng Shuping said that budget implementa- tion was basically stable over the first half of this year with more than half of the overall financial revenue and expen- diture completed.

This achievement came no easy against the backdrop that government had reduced taxes and fees as domestic economy was under pressure with weak global economic recovery and declined imports and exports.
Mem- ber Yao Sheng believed that we maintained good balance and progress of fiscal revenue and expenditure despite large scale reduction and exemption of taxes and fees.

It not only reflects our country’s stable economic growth, but also will promote economic and social development.

Strictly implement the budget resolution approved at the NPC annual session As in previous years, Lou specifically introduced the im- plementation of the budget resolution approved at the NPC annual session this year.
He said that in accordance with the requirements set forth in the budget resolution, the finan- cial sector should conscientiously implement the proactive fiscal policy, deepen the fiscal and taxation system reform, strengthen and improve budget management, promote stable and healthy economic development as well as social harmony and stability.
To be specific, firstly, we gave full play to the proactive fis- cal policy such as implementing trials of replacing business tax with value added tax (VAT) in all sectors.

From May 1, we have extended the trials to the construction, real estate, financial, and consumer service industries, and allowed busi- nesses to deduct the VAT on their new real estate purchases or on their payments for real estate rentals.
It is projected that the above tax and fee reduction policies will save busi- nesses and individuals more than 500 billion yuan over the course of 2016.

We cleared up and reformed administrative charges and government-managed funds by expanding the scope of exemptions for 18 types of administrative charges from only small and micro businesses to all enterprises and individuals.
In order to intensify efforts on poverty relief, we have increased expenditures on poverty reduction from the central government by 43.4 percent.

Secondly, we actively promoted fiscal and tax reform and legislation.

For example, from July 1, we started the reform of resource tax levied ad valorem, and cleared related charg- ing funds at the same time.
We will tighten up in revising and enacting the enforcement regulations of the Budget Law and accelerate legislating environmental protection tax law, ship tonnage tax law, tobacco tax law and customs tax law.

Thirdly, we made efforts to improve the performance of fiscal expenditure.
For instance, central departments com- prehensively apply performance target management in for- mulating budget, and for the first time, approve performance targets of major projects and specific performance indicators along with the budget.

We will continue the “Two Plain” inte- grated agriculture-related funds pilot in Heilongjiang Prov- ince in the mode of “key specific projects plus work list plus concentrated assignment”.

Fourthly, we managed the budget in strict accordance with the Budget Law.
For example, we approved the central bud- get before the deadline.

From January to July, 96 percent of the central investment on infrastructure has been allo- cated.

All projects are managed in one database, where good projects will be first selected for the annual budget.

Govern- ment-managed funds were reduced from 28 to 23.
Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee, said that the report specifically introduced the implementation of the budget resolution approved at the 4th session of the 12th NPC, helping us learn more about the implementation of the budget resolution, especially what has been done and how it is accomplished.

A very good job!

Members of the NPC Standing Committee agreed that implemen- tation of the above budget was in line with expectations.
Yao also believed that the report talked about the imple- mentation from four aspects, which reflects the concept that government budget implementation is consciously under the supervision of the NPC.

Besides, he suggested carrying out work in strict accordance with draft budget and related report approved by the NPC at the beginning of this year.

He stressed that we should accomplish our work with no delay and implements the revenue and expenditure to the greatest extent.
Strengthening financial regulation and preventing excessive tax Due to uneven economic development, completing target- ed budget revenue will be easy in well developed areas while things are quite different in those under-developed areas where we need to prevent excessive tax.
Member Che Guangtie said, at present, some local govern- ments at grassroots level have been trying to control fiscal revenue and expenditure by “collecting first and then return- ing” and “excessive tax” to accomplish annual income task and various assessment targets.

The purpose is to meet the financial assessment and pursue superficial political perfor- mance.
ISSUE 3 · 2016 27 SUPERVISION In this regard, he proposed to further adjust the financial assessment target system, foster scientific motives for perfor- mance, reduce the pressure of local governments as well as fiscal and taxation departments, and strengthen supervision on local governments’ fiscal revenue and expenditure so as to ensure that the fiscal revenue objectively reflects the local government’s revenue and economic performance.
Improving evaluation mechanism and fiscal expenditure performance At present, fiscal revenue growth is much smaller than ex- penditure growth.

With rigid growth in spending, it is critical to improve the effectiveness of every coin we spend.

Che said that the effectiveness of fiscal expenditure had attracted wide public concern.

Projects without careful con- sideration and proposed only for political purpose may stir up strong dissatisfaction of the public.
In this regard, he suggested that the financial budget performance manage- ment should be further strengthened to enhance the aware- ness of budget management and supervision in the mind of grassroots governments, establish and improve the scientific, reasonable and effective performance indicator system and evaluation system.

We should accelerate the construction of performance information systems, and actively promote a third-party evaluation mechanism.
Zhang Jincheng, an NPC deputy, said that in order to improve the effectiveness of financial funds, we need to strengthen supervision on how the money is spent in imple- menting central fiscal budget.

He said, “There are some cases where we make profits out of small amount of investment, but there are also cases where money is wasted without real benefits.
Therefore, we need to establish and improve rel- evant evaluation mechanisms, criteria, or regulations to en- sure that money from central government play its due role.

Potential risks of ‘Disguised Debt’ cannot be overlooked Lou said in the report that central government had issued newly-added debt quota of 1.18 trillion yuan for 2016 and replaced the stock of debt in an orderly fashion soon after the budget was approved by the NPC annual session.
Member Ren Maodong said that local governments bonds are divided into newly-added bonds and replaced bonds.

What are replaced bonds?

In short, it is a way by which local governments borrow money to pay for current debts so as to defer the payment and ease the debt pressure.

He said that promoting local debt replacement had given a relief to local governments; they may intend to replace all the stock of debt and feel no sense of urgency about the future debt repayment.
Moreover, some local governments start to borrow disguised forms of debt such as leveraged debt.

Therefore, the potential risks cannot be overlooked.
In this regard, he suggested that the Ministry of Finance should further strengthen local debt management, conscientiously fulfill the Budget Law, strictly manage the balance limit of the local debt, prevent disguised forms of debt, address heavier accountability on local governments and individuals who are responsible for illegal debt and disguised debt so as to effec- tively prevent local debt risk.
Further optimizing transfer payment system Improving transfer payment system has been a major concern of the members and deputies, and this session is no exception.

Gan Daoming, deputy to the National People’s Congress, said that at present, many general transfer payments have set restrictions on the scope of use.

Special transfer pay- ments still account for large percentage.

Problems are still prominent with fragmented projects and decentralized ar- rangement.
Although the number of project has reduced, there is no fundamental change on fund management and distribution.

In this regard, he proposed to speed up the pace of reform on government agencies, set the division of labor according to the responsibilities, let relevant departments allocate the budget, and combine the fund according to what they are used for and delete the overlapped ones.

Special funds within the jurisdiction of local governments should be allocated as general transfer payments.
In Che’s view, in recent years, as local governments have bigger power in projects approval than in fund allocation, their financial revenue is far less than needed.

They have to sell land to make money.

Land is a non-renewable resource.

Selling land for revenue is unsustainable and highly risky.
He believes that we should further enhance the financial support to grassroots government and accelerate the reform of fiscal and taxation system, rationally balance the local authority’s power in projects approval and fund allocation, increase in- come while reduce expenditure in a bid to effectively alleviate local financial pressure.

Trial implementation of replacing business tax with VAT in all sectors Replacing business tax with VAT on trial implementa- tion has attracted the public attention most.
This is another profound change of fiscal and taxation system since the tax reform in 1994.

Member Du Liming said that full implementation of re- placing business tax with VAT is a prominent reform of taxa- tion system.

It plays a proactive role in improving taxation system, reducing the burden on enterprises and promoting economic development.

All business tax belongs to local tax thus falls into the category of local income prior to the reform.
The central and local share ratio of original VAT is 75 percent to 25 percent.

The transition plan is to adjust the share as 50 percent each.

However, due to imbalanced economic and social development in the eastern, central and western regions of China, a same share ratio may have different effects on local revenue.

According to the current proportion, income of some local governments may be re- duced.
Although some deficit can be covered by the central government through transfer payments, it will still have gen- eral considerable impact on the local revenue.

In this regard, he suggested that during transition period, the Ministry of Finance should strengthen research, analyze different impacts on local income in different regions, and adjust the share ratio between central and local governments, so as to give full play to the initiative of local governments.
(NPC) 28 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC FOCUS China’s State Council officials pledge allegiance to the Constitution The State Council holds a ceremony for 55 officials to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on September 18.

In the first such ceremony, 55 newly-appointed leading officials from agencies directly under the State Council took the oath.
The officials pledged to loyally defend the Constitution as they fulfill their duties honestly, subject to the people’s supervision.

The ceremony was supervised by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Xie Huanchi The State Council held a ceremony for 55 officials to pledge allegiance to the Constitution on September 18.

In the first such ceremony, 55 newly-appointed leading officials from agencies directly under the State Council took the oath.
The officials pledged to loyally defend the Constitution as they fulfill their duties honestly, subject to the people’s supervision.

Yang Jing, State councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, declared the ceremony open.

The ceremony was supervised by Premier Li Keqiang.

After the oath was taken, Li told the officials to fulfill their oath and perform their duties conscientiously and tirelessly.
The officials pledged to loyally defend the Constitution as they fulfill their duties honestly, subject to the people’s supervision.

attended the ceremony.

In July 2015, China decided that officials at all levels in government, courts and procuratorates should take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution as they assume office.
Vice Premiers Zhang Gaoli, Wang Yang and Ma Kai, State Councilors Chang Wanquan, Yang Jiechi and Guo Shengkun, as well as officials from the State Council agencies concerned, A year later, the State Council published detailed rules which specify formalities and procedures for the ceremony.

(Xinhua) ISSUE 3 · 2016 29 OPINION Pedestrians take pictures of a huge Chi- nese National Flag formed by more than 20,000 red roses at the Shuangjing Bridge in Chaoyang District, Beijing.
CFP 30 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Vigorously promote China’s national ethos By Ji Bingxuan Y ear after year, we have been arguing with Western countries on human rights issues.

They comment on ours, and so do we in the form of a white pa- per.

This argument will go on and on as long as there exist different social systems and ideologies in the world.
Compilation of the Civil Code and formulation of General Provisions of Civil Law serves, to some extent, not only to explain our concept of human rights from the legal perspective but also to safeguard people’s basic rights and interests.

Therefore, success in this piece of legislation is of utter importance.

Compilation of the Civil Code can optimize legal procedures and strengthen protection on the lawful rights and interests of civil subject.
It was well pointed out in the introduction to the Draft General Provisions of Civil Law that “Civil law is called the encyclopedia of social life, and the Civil Code is a legal ex- pression of ethos and the spirit of times.

Civil law as well as laws and regulations in other fields provides support to the national governing system.
Further improving legal norms in civil affairs through compiling the Civil Code is of great significance to empower China’s national governance.” It was also stressed that “Compilation of the Civil Code is an objective necessity to protect the interests of vast majority of Chinese people.

The property and personal relationships regulated by the civil law are closely related to the people.
Compilation of the Civil Code can optimize legal procedures ISSUE 3 · 2016 31 OPINION and strengthen protection on the lawful rights and interests of civil subject, which is helpful to safeguard the vital inter- ests of our people.” As to this draft of General Provisions of Civil Law, my observation is that we should highlight the fol- lowing three aspects to make them more vivid and profound by refining legal provisions.

Firstly, we should fully demonstrate the people-oriented legislative purpose.
General Provisions of Civil Law is legis- lated for the people and is meant to protect the people.

It is true that all laws are legislated for the people and uphold the principle to protect the people’s interests.

However, other laws and regulations are clearly targeted at a specific area, and they serve only to fully reflect on the people’s interests.

General Provisions of Civil Law is different in the way that it is exclusively legislated for the people’s interests.
Therefore, people’s basic rights must be clearly defined and legal means have to be taken to protect these basic rights.

General Provi- sions of Civil Law should take the responsibility to clearly provide and well protect the most fundamental human rights of Chinese people.

The concept of human rights covers a wide sphere.

Different political systems may generate dif- ferent values and connotations.
The human rights that we Generally speaking, our national ethos is fully reflected in the core values of Chinese socialism.

talk about include at least people’s right to subsistence, right to labor, right to dignity, right to privacy, right to vote and stand for election as well as custody, etc.

We should explicitly explain our human rights concept by using legal language in this legislation.

There is nothing that we cannot explain.


Only by clearly defining the basic rights can we safeguard them in legal terms.

Secondly, we should clearly define people’s legitimate rights and interests.

Legitimate rights and interests are dif- ferent from basic rights in the way that the latter is some- thing every human being is born with, while the former has to be achieved through hard work.
Legitimate rights and interests also cover a wide range of spheres such as economy, politics and culture or, to be more specific, right to property, right to inheritance, right to land contract and right to free- dom of the press.

Although these rights and interests are stipulated and demonstrated in some specific laws and regu- lations, they should be duly embodied in General Provisions of Civil Law in a more concentrated and adequate way.

Thirdly, we should vigorously promote our national ethos.
Any nation in the world relies on the strong spiritual support.

A nation without spiritual support is hopeless and therefore cannot sustain itself.

The civil law has to put people in the first place and protect human rights, but human rights here refer to the rights to undertake social responsibilities as well as promote and safeguard national ethos.

Supremacy of national interest is embodied in the human rights concept of all countries in the world, and China is no exception.
In today’s world, there is no such concept of human rights that has gone beyond the national interests of any single country, and the so-called universal values never exist.

Much can be said about our national ethos from various perspectives.

Generally speaking, our national ethos is fully reflected in the core values of Chi- nese socialism.
We should vigor- ously promote our national ethos with patriotism at its core and the spirit of times based on reform and innovation, encourage the basic ethics of patriotism, dedication, honesty and friendliness, and foster a favorable social environment with honor, righteousness, devotion and harmony.

As the legal instrument to promote positive energy and punish the evil, laws should join hand in hand with socialist ethics to serve lofty spiritual pursuit and core values.
General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China is adopted at the 4th Session of the 6th National People’s Congress on April 12, 1986.

Li Shengnan I wish the three points men- tioned above could be somewhat highlighted in a more vivid and profound manner so that the Gen- eral Provisions of Civil Law can be of a higher standard, play a bigger role and generate better effects.
(The author is vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress) 32 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Photo taken on January 10 shows the pedestrian street in Haikou, Hainan Province.

CFP Make the Civil Code a legal carrier of socialist core values C ompiling the Civil Code is not only a gigantic leg- islative program but also a very complex national governance and social project.
As civil law bears a nation’s all walks of life, there is no gainsaying that it has infiltrated into every corner of social life.

As the jurisprudential circle put it, civil law is the mother of all laws.

The earliest Roman law included substantive law, procedural law, civil law, criminal law and administrative law, but civil law was later separated and became the moth- er of all laws.
By Li Lianning After listening to the introduction made by Li Shishi, chairman of the Legislative Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, I kept asking myself a question: what are the his- torical values and spirit of legislation for compiling the Civil Code?

French Civil Code, also known as Napoleonic Code, had two historical values.
First, when Napoleon staged a coup to seize political power after the victory of French revolution, laws in different parts of the country were administering in their own ways.

Roman law was applied in the south, while common law prevailed in the north.

Moreover, law enforce- ment also varied in different places.

One of his contributions was to formulate a uniform applicable law across the nation.
Voltaire once said that “Traveling in France requires frequent replacement of the law, just as often as changing horses.” Second, this law laid a solid legal foundation for the devel- opment of laissez-faire capitalism.

The historical value and spirit of legislation of German Civil Code was also to uniform the laws in different parts of the country after unification of Prussian empire.
In addition, its enforcement in 1990 laid the legal foundation for the development of monopoly capi- talism, giving the law a unique historical value.

In ancient China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang realized unification of legal system more than 2,000 years ago by applying laws of the Qin state to other six states.

The Soviet Union Civil Code in 1922, following its denial of private laws, established a com- plete set of laws governing property relations based on social- ist public ownership.
Japanese civil law, which inherited the ISSUE 3 · 2016 33 OPINION It is important for us to consider how to integrate socialist core values into the Civil Code and subsequently make it the legal carrier of these values.

tradition of French Civil Code and German Civil Code, was formulated against the backdrop of Meiji Restoration in an attempt to shake off backwardness, enrich the country and build a strong military force.
Therefore, all these countries were trying to fulfill their unique historical values in civil law legislation.

In this sense, what are the historical values and spirit of legislation for China to start the compilation of Civil Code?

After all, the compilation should not be taken as sheer legislative endeavor at technical level, nor is it an attempt simply to improve the civil-related legal system.

Firstly, we should make Civil Code the legal carrier of socialist core values.
As civil law intermingles with habits, customs and ethics, in particular, legal elements such as family, marriage, children and inheritance are closely re- lated to ethical relations.

It is important for us to consider how to integrate socialist core values into the Civil Code and subsequently make it the legal carrier of these values.
Be- sides, compilation of the Civil Code should serve to build a complete set of social wealth protection system in order to safeguard legitimate rights and interests of citizens and legal persons, fully respect people’s dignity, give full play to peo- ple’s wisdom and ensure the free flow of social wealth.

That is to say, we should take advantage of the civil law to reinforce people’s confidence in the nation and prevent capital outflow.
Only by so doing can we rebuild people’s confidence in their motherland and unite people of all ethnic groups in an effort to make true the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

It is my observation that, after completing the building of a moderately prosperous society, the Civil Code should shoul- der its historical responsibility in achieving the grand goal to make China a socialist modern State.
Secondly, style and features of the Civil Code should fully reflect the characteristics of China and the times.

Apart from the general provisions, Chapter 1 of French Civil Code is civil subject, Chapter 2 is property rights, and Chapter 3 is property acquisition.

Chapter 1 of German Civil Code, how- ever, is about creditor’s rights which put more emphasis on autonomy of will.
We are now in the 21st century in which all countries in the world are intensifying their efforts to respect and protect human rights.

Against this backdrop, style of our Civil Code should not simply follow the steps of German, France or Japan, but instead should reflect the characteris- tics of China and the times.

I believe that China’s Civil Code should provide an exclusive chapter on personality rights and even make it the first chapter.
Thirdly, outstanding Chinese traditional morality and val- ues should also be included in the Civil Code.

In general, compilation of the Civil Code is a key project, and it has to reflect the characteristics of China and the times.
(The author is a member of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress and vice chairman of the Law Committee of the NPC) Legal person status of rural organizations awaits clarification By Liu Zhenwei T he draft general rules of civil code divides the subjects of civil rights into natural persons, legal persons and unincorporated organizations.

Com- pared to the stipulations in the general principles of the civil law, this classification corresponds well to so- cial economic development.
The specification of draft general rules of civil code notes that codification of the civil code should adhere to a problem- oriented approach and make creative provisions on urgent matters that need to be regulated in social life.

However, in the Chapter of Legal Persons, there are neither corresponding legal persons nor relevant provisions on the following three types of organizations which emerge in the course of rural economic and social development.
Specialized Farmers Cooperatives (SFC) There are currently 1.48 million SFCs in China, which should be registered according to the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Specialized Farmers Cooperatives and obtain the qualification of legal persons.

Article 72 of the draft civil code does not identify the classification of legal person of SFCs.

Instead, it stipulates that if the law otherwise pro- vides, such provisions shall prevail.
Actually, it is hard to say what kind of legal person SFC is under current classification, because the SFC is neither pure for-profit nor non-profit.

It is both for-profit and non-profit.

Thus, it is difficult for indus- try and commerce authorities to deal with the registration of SFCs.

Some SFCs are registered as enterprise legal persons, while others are registered as other organizations.

The regis- tration is in disarray.


Rural Collective Economic Organization (RCEO) The Constitution, Property Law, and Law on Land Con- tract in Rural Areas all provide stipulations on the legal sta- tus of RCEO.

However, the general principles of the civil law do not stipulate the legal personality of RCEO.

Now, there are 248 thousands of villages establishing RCEO, mainly lo- cated at eastern developed regions.
34 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC A villagers’ committee office and productive cooperative in Qingzhou, Shandong Province CFP Villagers’ Committee Villagers’ committees act on behalf of RCEO in 365 thou- sands of villages in China.

There are a large amount of re- sources and operation assets which are in the charge of RCEOs or villagers’ committees.
The draft general rules of civil code neither stipulates that villagers’ committee is a legal person, nor administrates it as an unincorporated association.

It is inconvenient for industry and commerce authorities to register the organizations mentioned above under current stip- ulations, which have a negative effect on those organizations when they participate in economic activities as independent market entities.
To adapt to the changes of legal persons in the course of social economic development, and ensure all types of organizations participate in civil activities equally, it is strongly recommended to amend the Chapter of Legal Persons.

Option 1 is that we shall adjust current classification of legal persons and adopt new mode of legal persons.
The specification the draft general rules of civil code notes that people have different views on the classification of legal per- sons, which can be divided into public and private by nature, consortium and association by foundation of establishment, for-profit corporation and nonprofit corporation by aim.

Cur- rently, the draft classifies legal persons by aim and function.
Since the classification of for-profit and nonprofit can not cover all types of organizations, classification of consortium and association by foundation of establishment can be ad- opted.

Those founded by donation are consortium, including all kinds of foundations and charities.

Those funded by col- lection of individuals are associations, including corpora- tions, cooperatives, all kinds of social organizations and so on.

Legal persons of government units and institutions stay the same.
Consortium and associations share the same essen- tial conditions of establishment according to article 54-57 of the draft, such as establishment in accordance with the law, possession of necessary property or funds, having rules and regulations, having organizational structure and so on.

On the other hand, there are some difference between consor- tium and associations.

Consortium is not allowed to pursue profit, only engaging in public welfare.
Associations could be entities for-profit, such as limited liability companies, in- corporated companies, and other corporate enterprises.

As- sociations could be entities for-profit and for public welfare or villagers autonomous organizations, such as cooperatives, RCEO and villagers’ committee in charge of collective assets.

It could also be pure public associations, such as social orga- nizations defined in the general principles of the civil law.
Option 2 is that we shall reserve relevant provisions about current classification of legal persons and make amendments to part of articles to clarify the legal status of different orga- nizations.

Article 72 can be amended to clarify that SFC is a cooperative corporation and thus should be registered as a cooperative corporation.

In the general provisions in Chapter of Legal Persons, stipulations on RCEO and villagers’ com- mittee or residents’ committee in charge of collective assets should be added.
Authoring legal status to RCEO and villag- ers’ committee or residents’ committee and allowing them to be registered will deepen the reform of rural property rights and develop economy.

In a word, legal person system should reflect the objective existence of all kinds of organizations.

It should be a flex- ible system which adapts to the requirements of social and economic development.
A tolerant and non-exclusive legal person system which can tolerate new emerging civil and commercial subjects is a scientific one.

(The author is a member of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress and vice chairman of the Ag- riculture and Rural Affairs Committee) ISSUE 3 · 2016 35 OPINION Disadvantaged group rights better protected By Zheng Gongcheng Senior people take a break in Sanya Bay, Hainan Province.
Guo Cheng C ivil Code codification is one of the epoch-making events in the process of rule of law in China, and signifies further improvement of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.

The essence of the Civil Code is equality and human rights protection.

My major concern about the draft of General Principles of the Civil Law is guardianship for protecting the human rights of the minor, the elderly and the disabled.
However, it is not clarified yet in the draft on rights protection of those disad- vantaged groups.

It is easy to define the minor according to their ages.

But as for the guardianship of the elderly and the disabled, we need detailed standards to make the law more feasible.

Since not all disabled persons are without or with limited capac- ity for civil conducts, then it becomes difficult to guard those who have capacity for civil conducts but are mentally dis- abled.
From the survey in recent years, we find that in a aging society with fewer children, the guardianship of the elderly is becoming a common problem, particularly for those who don’t have children and for those whose children don’t treat them with filial piety.

In the past, we have villagers’ com- mittee in rural area and residents’ committee in urban area, which could offer help to those who were in trouble within the neighborhood.
But now, situation changes, and what needs to be done is to improve the system.

The draft so far doesn’t address the problem of protecting rights of the minor, the physically incapable and the mentally disabled.

As for the modification of the articles, article 25 in the draft stipulates that children are obliged to provide for, take care of and protect their parents who are either without or with limited capacity for civil conducts.
Does that mean chil- dren don’t need to do so if their parents are still with capacity for civil conducts?

People of eighty or ninety years old may have capacity for civil conducts, but they need to be taken care of and protected as seen in our tradition.
The draft, on the one hand, doesn’t reflect the tradition, on the other hand, is not consistent with what is written in the Law on Rights and Interests Protection of the Elder People, the Marriage Law, and the Succession Law about the duty of children to take care of their parents.

Therefore, my suggestion is to adjust wording into that children are obliged to provide for, take care of and protect their parents who are old, without or with limited capacity for civil conducts.
Article 23 and 34 mention the right of intervening in guardianship, and lawful organizations established caring for the elderly.

What kind of the organization it is?

Altogether there are three types.

One is working organization for the elderly which is the major body for implementing the Law on Rights and Interests Protection of the Elderly.

Another is lawful social association for taking care of the elder people.

The last one is elderly care institution.

Then which one does it belong to?


If it is of similar position with women federation and federation for disabled persons, then it should belong to the first type, being the body for implementing the respective law.

If it plays similar role with school and medical care in- stitution, then the organization providing service for children and elder people should also be considered.
As the society develops, what villagers’ committee and residents’ committee can do now is quite different with that in the planned economy.

Whether they are capable of help- ing protecting the elderly, and whether they should take that responsibility, needs to be reconsidered.

From a number of surveys we have done, we can see that the role of villagers’ committee and residents’ committee has been weakening.
The ever-changing situation should be taken into full consid- eration during the Civil Code compiling.
(The author is a member of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress and professor of Renmin University of China) 36 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC Civil Code should fully reflect the principle of ‘Respect and Safeguard Human Rights’ By Xu Xianming C hina’s law circle has been waiting for decades to witness the enaction of Civil Code which was particularly called for after “reform and opening- up” policy was adopted last century.
Meanwhile, China’s legislature has overcome tremendous difficulties to codify civil law by the special way of making separate laws.

It will be a blessing for our nation if a comprehensive civil code can be born around 2020.

As a symbol of rule of law, civil law originated from Ro- man law which was named “the law of all laws”.

The basic norms passed down by Roman law are the separation of pub- lic law and private law.
The civil law we talk about today is private law which means exclusion of public power, namely the major principle of rule of law.

Accordingly, public power falls into the jurisdiction of constitution.

In another word, once public power interferes with civil and commercial af- fairs, rule of law no longer exists.

Therefore, Roman law has left us with what can be called institutional civilization that has been inherited by later generations.
When we enact Civil Code, our first question is how to reflect our national spirit in it?

In my opinion, our civil law should embody core values of Chinese socialism, among which “prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony” define the goals of our nation, “patriotism, dedication, integrity, and goodwill” define morals of individual citizens, and “freedom, equality, justice, rule of law” illustrate the spirit of civil law.

Stated thus, our civil law will become a great law if it fully reflects these values.
Secondly, our civil law needs to reflect modern spirit whose essence is about respecting and safeguarding human rights.

Among all the laws of our nation, civil law is the most typical one that is rooted in standard of right, because all of its articles are based on rights.

To respect and safeguard hu- man rights is the primary objective of right-based law and hence needs to be included in the general principles of our civil law.
Besides, as we all know, rule of law means public power should be authorized by law.

With regard to civil affairs, the most important tenet is that “absence of legal prohibition means freedom” which is the most fundamental spirit of rule of law and which I strongly propose to be the soul of our civil law and to be reflected in the legislative pro- cess.
Otherwise, the advancement, modern characteristics To respect and safeguard human rights is the primary objective of right-based law and hence needs to be included in the general principles of our civil law.

and practicability of our civil law will be greatly undermined.

Thirdly, current draft of Civil Code is lack of balance re- garding civil rights system because of its incomplete enumer- ation.

To be specific, it only covers 13 types of rights while 28 rights are listed in our Constitution.
In China, people’s court cannot apply Constitution in a trial.

As a result, citizens’ rights stipulated in Constitution need to be translated into civil rights before they can be protected.

Based on this fact, I suggest that our civil law should enumerate as many rights listed in Constitution as possible.

Take human dignity for example, it is prescribed by Constitution that human dignity shall be protected.
Accordingly, there should be exclusive and prohibitive clauses that forbid any violation of human dignity.

Human dignity has historical significance, because it does not exist until the Second World War when Nazi geno- cide caused ruthless violation of human dignity.

Since then, human dignity is defined as basic human right.
The Constitu- tion of 1954, 1975 and 1978 have not included such right, but the Constitution of 1982 regards human dignity as basic right because of lessons we draw from the “cultural revolution”.

Hence, our civil law should attach greater importance to hu- man dignity and specify as many basic human rights as pos- sible.

Technically, besides enumeration, a special clause can be put down as “other civil rights that are not listed in this law are also protected”.
By this means, a relatively complete and open system of rights can come into force.

(The author is a member of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress and vice chairman of the Law Committee of the NPC) ISSUE 3 · 2016 37 FOREIGN AFFAIRS Zhang Gaoli, Chinese vice premier and special envoy of President Xi Jinping, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the High-Level Event for the Signature of the Paris Agreement at the United Nations headquarters in New York on April 22.
Liao Pan China’s legislature ratifies Paris Agreement on climate change C hina’s top legislature on September 3 ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, a significant international legal document that outlines post- 2020 global climate governance.

Lawmakers voted to adopt “the proposal to review and ratify the Paris Agreement,” at the closing meeting of the 22nd session of the 12th National People’s Congress Standing Committee.
The much-anticipated Paris Agreement on climate change is the third document to attempt to address climate change, following the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

38 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA China will cut its carbon emis- sions per unit of GDP by 60-65 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels, increase non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20 percent.
Bigger role in global climate governance “Ratifying the agreement accords with China’s policy of actively dealing with climate change,” according to the pro- posal, which added that addressing climate change would help the country realize sustainable development.

The ratification will “further advance China’s green, low- carbon development and safeguard environmental security,” it said.
“Ratifying the agreement is conducive to China’s develop- ment interests,” and it will also help the country “play a bigger role in global climate governance,” according to the proposal.

China signed the Paris Agreement at UN Headquarters in New York on April 22, Earth Day, sending a strong messag- ing to the international community as it joins forces against global warming.
Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, the special envoy of President Xi Jinping, signed the document and announced that China aimed to finalize domestic legal procedures to ratify the pact before the G20 summit in Hangzhou.

On December 12, 2015, after nearly two weeks of hard bargaining, negotiators representing 196 parties to the UN conference on climate change in Paris (COP21) sealed the pact, aiming to reverse temperature increases, mainly caused by carbon emissions.
The agreement sets a target of holding the global average rise in temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-indus- trial levels, and preferably below 1.5 degrees.

It is a major milestone for global climate negotiations, especially after the failed climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009 and disputes among countries on their re- sponsibilities.

Environmental experts said that, during the Paris negotia- tions, China helped resolve several thorny issues.
To fulfill its commitment to the Paris climate pact, China will have to cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60- 65 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels, increase non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20 percent, and peak its carbon emissions by 2030.

These targets were reflected in China’s intended national determined contribution (INDCs) and also in its 13th Five- Year Plan (2016-20).
After the signing, the Paris Agreement is still missing the support of 55 nations that account for 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions before it can enter into force.

Countries still have one year to ink the agreement as it is open for signatures until April 21, 2017.
(Xinhua) NPC China and the US hand over their countries’ instruments of joining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to UN on September 3 China promises to peak carbon emissions by 2030 The agreement sets a target of holding the global average rise in temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably below 1.5 degrees CFP Staffers from Dongyang power supply bureau in Zhejiang Province con- duct maintenance checks of roof-mounted photovoltaic power equip- ment on July 28, 2015.
Having passed the final acceptance inspections organized by the National Development and Reform Commission in early July, the roof photovoltaic power project is eligible to take part in the green gas emission rights trading.
Xu Yu ISSUE 3 · 2016 39 FOREIGN AFFAIRS Inter-regional Seminar for Parliamentarians from Asian and African countries inaugurated in Beijing Wang Chen (R), vice chairman and secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, meets with Martin Chun- gong, secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in Beijing, September 18.

Courtesy of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the NPC Standing Committee.
W ith the theme of “building capacities of parlia- ments and facilitating sustainable develop- ment”, the Inter-regional Seminar for Parlia- mentarians from Asian and African countries which was co-organized by the National People’s Congress of China and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), was inau- gurated in Beijing on September 18.
Wang Chen, vice chairman and secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, made the opening remark, stress- ing that development is the common responsibility of all countries.

At the United Nations Development Summit, President Xi Jinping made a solemn promise on behalf of China that we would make joint efforts with other countries to achieve sustainable development.

Exchanges between leg- islatures play a prominent role in promoting State-to-State relationship.
By holding this seminar, we can enhance inter- parliamentary exchanges and improve parliaments’ capaci- ties and bring their advantages into full play.

It will inject new energy into sustainable development and ensure that the achievements will benefit all people.

Parliaments of develop- ing countries need to strengthen exchanges on their experi- ence on legislation and supervision, so as to provide favorable legal environment.
Martin Chungong, secretary-general of IPU made a speech on the opening ceremony.

The seminar was held from September 17 to 29.

Participants were from parliaments of countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and IPU.

Wang Chen met with Martin Chungong before the opening ceremony.

They had an in-depth exchange of views on issues such as enhancing pragmatic cooperation between NPC and IPU and in particular, improving the capacities of parlia- ments of developing countries.
(People’s Daily) 40 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC 41 A seminar themed on the implementation of the Belt and Road Initia- tive and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- ment is held in Beijing on September 19.

Participants attending the seminar pay a visit to Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. on September 20.

ISSUE 3 · 2016 PEOPLE Guo Jianhua: projecting films 42 years with an unswerving heart Guo Jianhua (R) and her colleague prepare for a cinema show.
Xinhua A starry night, farmers moving hurriedly along the country roads to gather at the village square, sev- eral film projectors were working like bees around a “silver block” hanged from several cylinders.

Soon after, applause, laughter and cheers were heard over the screening site.

It is such a warm and simple scene that makes a person adhering to her film-projecting career for as long as 42 years.
This person is Guo Jianhua, deputy to the 11th and 12th National People’s Congress, Party branch secretary and man- ager of the Xiangfu District Film Company of Kaifeng City, Henan Province.

Now despite in her sixties when she could have enjoyed a retired family life, Guo still keeps herself oc- cupied with projecting fine films for the country folks.
“To project fine domestic films at neighborhood and schools, the event themed by ‘the red rhythm, the red inheri- tance’ held its opening ceremony in the Xiangfu District of Kaifeng City on July 11.

My goal this time is to propose my thoughts and ideas on how to further promoting films in the countryside,” Guo said excitedly.

It was past 7:30 pm when Guo Jianhua shows a film in the countryside.

Xinhua 42 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC It was a technical job to put a film on.
Guo said that her first experience was at the Wangzhuang Village.

When the time came, the eyes of over ten thousands country folks turned to her.

Feeling extremely nervous and repeating in her heart the technical procedures the tutor taught her, she suc- ceeded.

Though the operation was not very skilled, the pro- jector finally issued a familiar sound, with the sign of “August First Film Studio” appearing on the screen.

After that, to her much relief, the folks cheered.


It takes only one minute for an excellent projectionist to change films.

To achieve this, one needs around one year’s hardworking.

It took Guo only three months to project films independently.

What was more, she was posted as head of a team of projectionists.

“During the over 40 years of my career, I have been feeling the country folk’s fascination with films for each single day.
It is their desires and the charm of the films that have inspired me to stick to my career,” said Guo.

“My life is nothing but films piling up.

Many lively heroic characters have been root- ed in my mind.” The movie that impresses Guo most is “Jiao Yulu”, a national sensation in 1990.

“Until today, I can not forget so many scenes in the movie.

For example, Secretary Jiao encountered a few hungry and begging children on his way to Lankao, stretching out their skinny hands.
On a snowy and sandy day, turned into ‘snowmen’, Secretary Jiao and his several colleagues pulled a few carts with relief food and struggled into the home of an old couple.

Watching the train filled with those hungry farmers rumbling away out of the ‘My life is nothing but films piling up.

Many lively heroic characters have been rooted in my mind,’ said Guo Jianhua.

the reporter met her.

“I am sorry to have kept you waiting.

I attended a meeting in the morning.


The train I took was quite late because of the heavy rain in the afternoon,” she said.

Though sweating and looking a little tired, Guo did not ask for a break.

Rather, she opened her heart to the reporter and spent over 3 hours talk- ing about her screening life, the cultural life of farmers, and her advice and suggestions on the cultural industry as deputy to the NPC.

The reporter was deeply impressed by her persis- tence and fascination with her career.
‘My life road is nothing but films piling up’ It was a summer time 42 years ago.

The village Party branch secretary went to Guo when she was laboring in the field, telling her, “The county is recruiting female projection- ist.” On hearing the news, Guo rushed on foot to the applica- tion site over 30 kilometers away.

Considering those illiterate with a clumsy hand would be rejected immediately, Guo felt very lucky because she was admitted after the test.
Lankao Railway Station, Secretary Jiao could not help crying.

Before he died, he requested that ‘since the dunes in Lankao are not conquered during my life time, I hope to be buried on the dunes so that someday I could see the dunes to be con- quered’.

When the movie went to such scenes, the audience had burst into crying and applauding.
Secretary Jiao’s devo- tion and spirit have been motivating generations of people!” According to Guo, few people went to the cinema because of the popularity of video rooms in the middle of 1990s, a sharp contrast with today’s booming movie industry.

“The market was most depressed in 1996, in which I was appoint- ed as the manager of the Kaifeng County Film Company.

At that time, the company could not even pay wages and few people were on the duty.
The movie copies stored in the room were covered with dust.

One day, a villager came to tell me that his grandmother passed away.

Because his grandmother loved listening to the opera ‘Three Crying Hall’, he asked the film company to project the movie at the funeral to see her off.
On the afternoon, I led the team to the village and per- sonally projected two movies including ‘Three Crying Hall’.” ISSUE 3 · 2016 43 PEOPLE At that time Guo were thinking hard on how to make the open-air film market prosperous again.

The experience of projecting movie on the funeral made her eyes bright: it would be a potential market for projecting films on the rural weddings and funerals.
To solve the then problems such as inadequate fund and outdated sources of films, Guo led the team to reform the company and seek support from the local institutions and en- terprises.
The specific approaches included putting up films on weddings and funerals to enrich rural customs, promoting educational films in schools, putting up films for increasing policy awareness with a joint hand with governmental organs relating to science and technology, family-planning and dis- cipline, and also putting up “advertising” films for enterprises which paid farmers to watch.
Fourty two years on, Guo has put up herself or arranged putting up films nearly 180,000 times with an audience of nearly 100 million.

In 1970s, she was known affectionately by local villagers as “the nice ‘film’ daughter”.

In 1990s, she was called by local children “the ‘film’ mother”.

In the new cen- tury, she is known as “the ‘film’ grandma”.

“I consider putting up one more film for villagers as my greatest joy,” said Guo.
Only when she sits in the screening field, tearing, cheering and applauding together with the au- dience, she feels the value of her life realized.

How wonderful it is to put up films for country folks!” ‘My whole family has affinity with the film’ “I met my future husband for the first time on the occasion of projecting the film of ‘Heroic Sons and Daughters’”, said Guo.

When Wang Cheng, the hero character, shouted “open fire at me”, a solder stood up, saluted to Guo and applauded.
Half a month later, Guo received a letter from the troops written by the solder saluting to her that night.

“Stationed in Guangzhou, my husband was a good medi- cal,” said Guo.

“He decided to give up the chance of promo- tion in the army and come back to the hometown because he wanted to let me keep putting up films for villagers.

My job meant that while others retired from a day’s work, relaxing and dining together at home, I would come to the busiest pe- riod of the day.
While I came along the bumpy country road back home nearly midnight, my husband cooked meals again and again in case it turned cold.

With our baby in his arms, he anxiously waited for me and longed for the moment when I knocked on the door.” “It is incalculable to measure my husband’s support to me.

He is a real man, my beloved husband and our daughters’ be- loved dad.” In the summer of 1978, the film “Eternal Life in the Fire” was released.
In order to meet the villagers’ desire to see the film, the projection team had to visit three villages every day.

Being pregnant for 7 months, Guo gave an early birth due to overwork just when she was projecting the film.

With the clinic far away, her colleague used the broadcaster to find a female villager to help with the emergency delivery.

Later, the women on the spot spontaneously formed a circle as the temporary maternity ward.
To increase the brightness, the folks used flashlights to project light on the screen to create reflected lightness for the delivery.

Due to premature birth, Guo’s eldest daughter was born Guo Jianhua visits her colleague Xu Jiujin (L) at Xucun Township, Hain- ing City in Zhejiang Province on July 17, 2011.

Wang Chaoying Only when Guo Jianhua sits in the screening field, tearing, cheering and applauding together with the audience, she feels the value of her life realized.
with a weight of less than 2 kilograms.

When her husband rushed to the hospital, the tough guy out of the camps could not help crying.

Then he gently sang a song named “The Red Plum Blossoms” to comfort Guo.

Later, they named her daughter “Hongmei” which referred to the red plum in Chi- nese.

A winter night five years later, their second daughter was also born in the screening site.

At that time, she was showing a large opera film “Judge Bao”.
The film had a lyr- ics line of “the plum in the snow resists the chill”.

Later, they named the second daughter as “Xuemei”, which referred to the plum in the snow in Chinese.

By Guo, her hardest memory went to the night of Decem- 44 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC gestions which cover such fields as agriculture, legislation and culture, closely relating to the livelihood of ordinary people.
Highly regarded by the relevant governmental de- partments, those suggestions have made contributions to promote rural economic development and rule of law at the grassroots level.

For example, her suggestion on constructing national grain production core areas and increasing grains production capacity was attached great importance by the National De- velopment and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Such Measures as providing direct subsidies to farmers, and other subsidies to help farm- ers buy farming materials, grains seeds and agricultural ma- chinery tools were released and put into enforcement.

Those measures are aimed to ensuring farmers enjoy solid benefits from the rise of the grain price, provide a strong support to the construction of grain production core areas and greatly boost to agricultural production.
In screening films, Guo found that the films put up in the countryside were in most cases outdated.

To solve the prob- lem, under the support of relevant governmental department, Kaifeng County Film Company and Beijing Century Oriental Cinema Line Company jointly established Henan Xinhua Ru- ral Digital Cinema Line Co., Ltd.. Century Oriental provides projection equipment and new films.
Xinhua Cinema Line is responsible to project such new films in rural areas to keep pace with cities like Beijing and Zhengzhou.

After the success of the pilot program, in order to allow more farmers to have the chance to watch digital movies, Guo proposed a suggestion on the development of digital cinemas in small and medium-sized cities nationwide.
Dur- ing the period of 12th Five-Year Plan, 3,000 digital cinemas have been renovated and 10,000 digital screens are newly set up, which makes all the county-level cities and part of townships have access to digital cinemas.

The country folks realize their wishes to watch movies by sitting in an indoor cinema instead of standing outdoor in the past.

Just like city dwellers, the country folks also can enjoy high-quality cultural life.

“I have never been so excited like today.


I see the future of China’s movie industry.

The hope comes from the huge market potential in rural areas as farmers are eager to watch digital movies,” said Guo.

As an NPC deputy from the grassroots, Guo keenly knows that popular means of communication must be adopted to promote socialist rule of law among farmers.
Hence she urged the Ministry of Justice and other relevant departments to strengthen the efforts to publicizing laws and regulations with varied and multi-layered approaches, helping farmers to know, understand and abide by the law, and to safeguard their own interests with legal tools.

Guo also suggested that more easy-to-read brochures supplemented by comics and illustrations and more vivid educational films be made to promote diligent and clean governance.
In order to help the vast rural masses to get to know legal knowledge, more popular methods should be con- ducted, such as opening auditoriums and publicity column, providing books, broadcasting, and projecting films.

“As long as the villagers are willing to watch movies, I would like to spend my whole life on projecting films in the countryside,” said Guo.

(NPC) ber 24 in 1998 in the lunar calendar, when she came back from work, only to find that her mother had passed away.
“My mother got ill that year, so I took her to the room I rented in order to care for her.

When the Spring Festival was com- ing, the projection team’s schedule turned very tight.

In the 87 days when my mother stayed with me, I did not miss one day’s work, and I did not prepare one meal for her.

All care work was done by my underage daughter and a sister of one of my friends.

My mother fully understood me and encour- aged me to do my job first.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, when other families set off firecrackers to celebrate, we set up a home memorial hall to mourn my mother,” said Guo.

‘As a deputy from the grassroots, I always remember my duties, listen to people’s voice and reflect public opinion’ No pains, no gains.

Guo has been awarded the “National Advanced Workers from the Cultural Sector”, “China’s Top Ten Figures from the Rural Areas” and so on, and was elected as deputy to the 11th and 12th National People’s Congress.
“As an NPC deputy from the grassroots, I always bear in mind my responsibilities, listen to the voice of the people, reflect the public opinion, and actively participate in politics and offer advice and suggestions.” After grasping a large amount of first-hand materials, Guo has put forward 12 sug- ISSUE 3 · 2016 45 NATIONALITY Panchen Lama leads first Kalachakra ritual in Tibet in 50 years T he first Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu have formally begun, with some 40 monks begin- ning a closed-door observance on the morning of July 21.
The monks, from Labrang Lamasery in northwest China’s Gansu Province and Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, performed the ritual every morning from July 21 to 24.

The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of teachings and initiations that are given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life.

This is the first time in 50 years that the ritual has been performed in Tibet.
To embrace the grand event, Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery, the home temple of Panchen Lamas, started preparations one month ago.

In Zhaxi Lhunbo last December, the 11th Panchen Lama celebrated the 20th anniversary of his enthronement.

Currently serving as vice president of the Buddhist Asso- ciation of China, the 11th Panchen Lama has received some 1,000 initiations and performed head-touching blessings for about 1.5 million Buddhists.
After overnight rainfall and intermittent drizzling, the meadow in the New Palace of Panchen Lama turned muddy and slippery.

Still, people swarmed into the venue at noon to hear the public instruction and initiations scheduled each afternoon.

Before the afternoon session started, monks in crimson- colored robes carried dozens of huge kettles to pour hot tea for participants to help them dispel the cold.

Barley biscuits were also distributed by monks to the excited crowd.
A volunteer put cypress branches and barley powder brought by devotees into a yellow stove and burned them to pray for an auspicious ritual.

After the 11th Panchen Lama ascended to his silk-covered throne in the afternoon, senior monks from the Zhaxi Lhun- bo Lamasery presented traditional Tibetan offerings to him.

The 11th Panchen Lama then led the chanting of scripture, with 100 senior monks kowtowing in front of the throne.
The crowd of pilgrims started to throw hada, a silk cloth, toward the 11th Panchen Lama as a greeting.

Quickly, hadas piled up in front of the crowd.

In his opening remarks, the 11th Panchen Lama called the rainfall “an auspicious sign,” mentioning that it also rained once when the 10th Panchen Lama held a ritual.

At that time, the 10th Panchen Lama explained that the rain indicated purification, said the 11th Panchen Lama, re- minding the elderly to keep warm on the rainy day.
Sitting on the ground and with prayer beads in hand, Tser- ing Wangla from Geding Township of Sagya County, Xigaze, said that the cold and drizzle were “not hardships at all,” and he rejoiced at the event “from the bottom of his heart.” The 41-year-old farmer woke up at half past five on July 21 to prepare for the excursion.

It was also his first time to par- ticipate in such a ritual.

Tsering, 20, a driver from Namling County, Xigaze sat in the back.
He took two days off so he could attend the ritual, which lasts until July 24.

Hearing the Kalachakra first from his parents when he was small, Tsering said he had wished to hear the precious teach- ing for a long time and was very happy to join in the ritual.

“I didn’t expect there to be so many people, and I have to watch from the distance,” he said.

Aga, a 51-year-old herder from Nagqu in northern Tibet, listened attentively to the instructions of the 11th Panchen Lama.
“Receiving the Kalachakra initiation from Panchen Lama is really a hard-won blessing,” he said.

Monk Shera Phuntsog from Hao Lamasery in Xigaze also treasured the instructions of the 11th Panchen Lama.

He said that the first-day instruction was very important as it addressed the proper motivations followers must have when seeking dharma from teachers as well as the command- ments they must keep.
100 lamas and 5,000 monks and nuns from Tibet, Sich- uan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan attended the ritual that is to help people through the cycle of life.

Despite intermittent rain, more than 100,000 people at- tended the ritual each day.

Cumulative attendance for the four days reached 426,000.

Four LED screens and dozens of loud speakers ensured the audience could clearly follow the teachings.
(Xinhua) 46 NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA NPC The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu delivers a sermon during the Kalachakra ritual in Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, July 24.

The first Kalachakra ritual given by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu concluded on July 24.

Li Lin The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdi- ni Qoigyijabu, sur- rounded by monks, gives blessings to Buddhist pilgrims on July 24.
Li Lin Senior monks queue to present hadas to the 11 t h P a n c h e n L a m a Bainqen Erdini Qoigy- ijabu on July 24.

Li Lin the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyija- bu during the Kalachakra ritual on July 22.

Li Lin ISSUE 3 · 2016 47