The State Council released a circular, elaborating on its legislative work plan for 2020.

The document is aimed at sticking to and improving socialism with Chinese characteristics, promoting modernization of the system and capacity in governing the country, and arranging legislative work items in a scientific and rational manner.

It urged strengthening legislation on epidemic prevention and control, reinforcing the corresponding institutional construction, and building a complete, scientific, and effective legal system, in an effort to improve the national public health emergency management system, beef up legal guarantees for public health, and protect people’s security and fitness.

According to the circular, improvements should be made in the legislative system and mechanism, and administrative legislation for the new era should be further intensified and improved.

Departments concerned should fully implement their legislative work plans.

A total of 16 draft laws are proposed for deliberations by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, concerning areas such as stamp tax, social assistance, and copyright.

Meanwhile, 26 administrative regulations will be formulated and amended, such as those on safeguarding payments of small and middle-sized enterprises, cyber protection for juveniles, and enforcement of the Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers.

Additionally, other legislative projects regarding national defense, military reform, epidemic prevention and control, administrative reform, and foreign investment law, will also be covered by the annual work plan.