The second plenary session of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, was held in Beijing on Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the session along with other Party and state leaders.

Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji presented a report on the work of the body. The report on the work of the Supreme People's Court was presented by its President Zhang Jun, while the Attorney General Ying Yong informed the deputies about the activities of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

A paper by the NPC Standing Committee on the progress of the review of laws and on proposals to amend certain laws and decisions was also presented for consideration at the meeting.

According to the report presented by Zhao Lei, the NPC Standing Committee has promoted reform and economic development through quality legislative work over the past year. In 2025, it focused on strengthening the implementation of the Constitution and supervising the observance of laws to ensure the unity of the rule of law.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivers the work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the second plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 9, 2026. /Xinhua

During the past year, the highest legislative body debated 40 draft laws, legal interpretations and decisions. Of these, 24 documents were adopted, including six new laws, 14 amendments, one legal interpretation and three decisions on important legal and other issues. Parliament also approved the ratification of nine international treaties and important agreements.

In the area of economic legislation, the Private Sector Promotion Act was adopted, which clearly sets out the principles of fair treatment, fair competition, equal protection and common development. The NPC Standing Committee has also amended the Unfair Competition Law, which is essential for the development of an economy based on trust and the rule of law. Amendments have also been made to the Maritime Law, the Arbitration Law and the Foreign Trade Law to better conform to international rules and promote a high-standard open economy.

In the area of social administration and public health protection, the Act on Response to Public Health Emergencies was adopted and the Act on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases was amended.

Regarding national and societal security, the NPC Standing Committee has adopted the Atomic Energy Law, which promotes research, development and peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with the law. At the same time, legislation on cyber security was amended to strengthen the protection of data and personal information.

The Supreme Legislature also performed its oversight function. The deputies discussed the State Council's reports on developing new high-quality production forces and promoting the use of scientific and technological innovation to deepen the integration of technological and industrial innovation. Supervision of fiscal and economic policy was also strengthened and inspections to ensure compliance with the law continued.

Plans for 2026

The report also introduced the legislature's work plan for 2026. The NPC Standing Committee wants to continue to promote the full implementation of the Constitution and perfect a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.

For example, a law on state assets is planned to support the development of a high-standard socialist market economy. Further legislative work will focus on the financial sector, with laws on finance and financial stability to be prepared to strengthen the country's financial system.

Parliament also wants to strengthen anti-corruption legislation, including by creating a law to combat cross-border corruption. A law regulating activities in Antarctica and the protection of the environment there is also being drafted.

The NPC Standing Committee is also planning more intensive research on legislation in new areas, such as the artificial intelligence sector. At the same time, legislators stressed the need to increase the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight, support parliamentarians in the exercise of their mandate and further develop international cooperation.

CMG