The State Council released a circular laying out the legislation tasks for 2018 to build up a modernized economic system; strengthen governmental construction; promote prosperous culture; improve people’s lives; accelerate ecological civilization system reform, and promote modernization of the national defense and army.

According to the circular, a number of draft laws, amendments, regulations and provisions will be proposed for deliberation to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. These legislation projects include a revised draft for patent law, revised laws on the administration of tax collection, draft for foreign investment laws, and formulating governmental investment regulations, to name a few.

The circular mandates strengthening and improving legislation work with the guide of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It also mandates strengthening the Communist Party of China’s leadership on legislation, promoting the five-sphere integrated plan and the four-pronged comprehensive strategy, and improving legislation quality and efficiency.

Related departments of the State Council should carry out the circular as an important task, and ensure the quality and efficient promotion of key legislation projects. The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council should track the progress, and enhance coordination, supervision and instruction.