1st Ld-Writethru: China set to bolster space security, nuclear capacity: Draft law

Chinese lawmakers are mulling the inclusion of security of China's activities and assets in space, on the international sea bed and in polar regions in a draft law, the latest move to improve the legal framework protecting national security.

The draft national security law -- tabled for a third reading on Wednesday by the top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, -- said China would "peacefully explore and exploit outer space, international sea bed areas and polar regions".

The country will build entry and exit security, develop scientific capacity, enhance international cooperation, and safeguard activity and asset security on "new strategic frontiers", it read.

Meanwhile, the draft also said response and defense capacities against nuclear threats and attacks would be stepped up.

China will peacefully utilize nuclear power and nuclear technology, prevent nuclear proliferation, improve its non-proliferation mechanism, and step up management, supervision and protection of nuclear activities, facilities, materials and waste, the draft law read.

It will also improve nuclear-accident emergency response capacities and mechanisms, in order to "prevent, contain and eliminate the damage imposed on citizens' lives and the environment by nuclear accidents," it said.

Meanwhile, the draft law also said China would protect and improve its "comprehensive grain production capacity", to ensure grain supply and quality, while underscoring nationwide efforts to safeguard national unity, ethnic solidarity and social stability. Endi