1st LD-Writethru: New law on national defense transport ready for vote

The draft law on national defense transport, which was deliberated for the second time on Monday, is now ready to be submitted to China's top legislature for approval.

The new law, covering the use of railways, waterways and air routes for defense purpose, will regulate the planning, construction, management and use of resources in transportation sectors for national defense.

The draft was submitted to the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which runs from Monday to Saturday, for the second time.

"National defense transport is an important component of the state's economy and national defense," said a statement from the NPC Law Committee read to lawmakers during Monday's opening meeting of the bi-monthly session.

The law aims to integrate military and civilian resources, meet new demands from national defense and military reform and solve prominent problems in national defense transport, according to the Law Committee.

The committee also offered suggestions on the transportation support for China's overseas military action, proposing to add an article saying the state's overseas offices and enterprises engaging in international transport and their agencies abroad should assist in replenishment for ships, airplanes, vehicles and personnel for China's international rescue operations, escorting assignments and military operations safeguarding the country's overseas interests.

State departments should provide personnel and transportation facilities for this purpose and assist in exit and entry of goods, according to the added article.

"It is imperative and timely that we enact this law," said the statement, adding that it will meet the modernization drive of the national defense and military building, help plan economic and national defense development as a whole, strengthen delivery power and meet the demands of military fighting preparation.

According to the draft, a national authority will be tasked with overseeing the national defense transport network and local governments, military departments and the military's theater commands will also be responsible.

During wartime or under special circumstances in times of peace, such as armed conflicts that endanger national sovereignty, the central authorities should establish a joint command organization for national defense transport if necessary, the draft stipulated.

The joint command will be used to coordinate national or regional resources, organize transportation operations, rush repairs and protection of transportation infrastructure and facilities.

The reserve materials of national defense transport could be allocated for disaster relief and rescue, according to the draft.

Under the draft, those who embezzle defense transport funds or whose dereliction of duty results in severe losses shall be punished in accordance with laws.

Those who use the reserve materials of national defense transport or divert related facilities without authorization shall face a fine up to five times their illegal gains, the draft reads.

After two readings, the draft is ready for a vote at the end of this bi-monthly session, the Law Committee suggested. Endi