China's top legislature ends bimonthly session

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the closing meeting of the ninth session of the 12th NPC Standing Committee in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

A bi-monthly session of China's top legislature closed Friday with a revised law on military facilities and a decision to pilot fast-track trials for minor criminal cases.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presided over the closing meeting of the session.

The revised law on military facilities embodied an unification of economic, social development and protection. It is significant in enhancing the war readiness and the building of a modern national defense system, said Zhang.

The law stresses the security of waters and airspace under military control. It bans aquaculture and non-military facilities in military waters.

Fishing or other activities must not affect war preparedness, training and performance of military ships. Any activities that threaten operations and confidentiality are also prohibited.

The law also bans unapproved low-altitude flying over military zones.

The NPC Standing Committee decided that minor criminal cases can be fast-tracked when facts are clear, the evidence is sufficient, the law is not contested, the defendant pleads guilty and sentence will be no more than one year.

The pilot fast-track trials in 18 cities including Beijing, Chongqing and Shanghai, can apply to minor criminal cases of traffic offences, minor theft or fraud, assault and robbery.

A draft revision to the food safety law was submitted for a first reading at the session. It is the first proposed revision of the law since it took effect in 2009.

The bill pledges to impose civil, administrative and criminal penalties on offenders and punish supervisors who neglect their duties.

Zhang urged authorities to strengthen audits of budgets and final accounts to help the government manage the people's money, after lawmakers approved the audit report on the 2013 budget.

A report on strengthening regulation of financial sectors and preventing financial risk and a report on inspection of the Patent Law's implementation were also approved.

The top legislature also okayed treaties between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina on criminal and civil judicial assistance as well as extradition, a treaty between China and Mongolia on transferring criminals and a cooperation treaty between China and Uzbekistan.

Chen Zhenggao was appointed as head of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development at the meeting, replacing Jiang Weixin.