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Sunday, October 18, 2020, 18:57
China's top legislature adopts law on export control
By Xinhua
Sunday, October 18, 2020, 18:57 By Xinhua

Photo taken on May 22, 2020 shows flags on the Tian'anmen Square and atop the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. (XING GUANGLI / XINHUA)

BEIJING - China's top legislature on Saturday passed a law on export control, which will go into effect on December 1.

With detailed stipulations on export-control lists and measures, the law was adopted after the third reading at a bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

With detailed stipulations on export-control lists and measures, the law was adopted after the third reading at a bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC)

China may take countermeasures against any country or region that abuses export-control measures and poses a threat to China's national security and interests, according to the law.

The law also clarifies that technical documentation related to the items covered by the law is also subject to export-control stipulations.

Export control is a common international practice in which a country prohibits or restricts the export of specific items, such as nuclear materials, in order to fulfil its international obligations, such as non-proliferation, while safeguarding its own national security and development interests. 

READ MORE: China opposes US expansion of export control list

The Export Control Law was one of several legislative measures that the Standing Committee of the NPC adopted before it closed its legislative session Saturday in Beijing.

It also adopted the amendment to the Patent Law, the Biosecurity Law, the revision to the Law on the Protection of Minors, the amendments to the National Flag Law and the National Emblem Law, as well as the amendment to the Electoral Law of the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses.

President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders to promulgate the above laws.

Protecting minors

The approved revision to the Law on the Protection of Minors strengthens protection of the underaged youth in cyberspace.

Internet product and service providers shall not offer minors with products and services that induce addiction, according to the revised law.

Providers of online services, including game, livestream, audio and video, and social media, shall set up corresponding functions such as time limit and consumption limit for minors. The minors who are victims of cyberbullying and their parents and guardians have the right to inform the Internet service providers to take measures such as deleting, blocking or disconnecting links, it added.

The revised law will take effect on June 1, 2021.

Safeguarding biosecurity

Lawmakers also approved the new Biosecurity Law, which stipulates that biosecurity is a key component of national security and a holistic approach to national security should be adopted in safeguarding biosecurity.

The law provides for the establishment of 11 basic systems for biosecurity risk prevention and control, such as biosecurity risk monitoring and early warning, risk investigation and assessment, and information sharing.

It also has provisions on the prevention of and response to specific biosecurity risks, including major emerging infectious diseases, epidemic and sudden outbreaks, and biotechnology research, development and application. The law will take effect on April 15, 2021. 

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over its closing meeting, which was attended by 166 NPC Standing Committee members.

At the meeting, Li stressed earnestly implementing the passed laws and undertaking publicity activities to increase the public appeal of the new legislation.

The lawmakers ratified amendments to the annexes to the Basel Convention, as well as extradition treaties with Cyprus and Belgium, respectively.

They also adopted other items on the session's agenda, including deputies' qualifications and personnel matters.

After the meeting, Li presided over a lecture.


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