The National People's Congress (NPC) adopted the Property Law on
Friday. The NPC also passed the Corporate Income Tax Law. The
following are excerpts from media comment on the adoption of the
laws:
Yanzhao Metropolis Daily: The enforcement of the
Property Law is equally, if not more important than the
legislation.
The landmark Property Law was adopted after a 14-year debate and
one of the most complicated legislative processes in the country's
history. The law finally provides equal protection of public and
private property.
People say it is a milestone in managing State affairs according
to law.
The Property Law legislative process was difficult. During this
process, China's political, economic and social life has developed
and people's concept of the rule of law and awareness of rights
have awakened.
But the law is only a fine start in a more arduous journey to
protect citizens' property. No matter how difficult the legislative
process is, legislation is not the ultimate goal. The goal is a
comprehensive enforcement of the law and effective protection of
property rights.
The implementation of the law is a systematic project that needs
careful planning.
There were hot debates during the legislative process because of
different conceptions and knowledge of some of the law's
principles. Now that the law has been passed, no one should refuse
to comply with it. This requires an education campaign before the
law takes effect in October.
The Property Law is a basic law in civil affairs, which concerns
many institutional issues. Its implementation needs a supportive
legal system. Otherwise some principles will only remain on
paper.
Many principles in the Property Law are different from some of
the principles previously embodied in law. Thus we should check
past laws and regulations to clear the way for the implementation
of the Property Law. This will be a major project that includes
checking and revising laws, administrative rules and local
regulations as well as judicial interpretations.
There is tough work ahead and a long way to go for the correct
and comprehensive enforcement of the Property Law.
Beijing News: The passage of the Property Law shows our
past achievements and future development plans.
This is a strong starting point. The Property Law sends out a
strong signal that China will deepen its reform and opening-up
process. The Corporate Income Tax Law gives equal footing to
domestic and foreign-invested companies.
This year's government work report and the motions and proposals
by deputies and members have all shown strong concern for the
people. A total of 2,023 members of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference have presented their proposals, ranging
from agriculture to public health, education, resources and
environmental protection, employment and social security, housing,
food and drug safety.
As society develops, public power and private rights need to be
further clarified. This is why people have been paying increasing
attention to individual rights and legal protection in recent
years.
Premier Wen Jiaobao said at the closing press conference, "the
speed of a fleet is not determined by the ship which travels the
fastest but the one that travels the slowest. If we improve the
living conditions of those in difficulty, we improve the well-being
of the whole society."
The government should promote equal opportunity in education,
implement a pro-active employment policy, narrow the income
distribution gap, and build a social security system that covers
both rural and urban areas.
Justice is the top value of the socialist system. Social
fairness and justice can only be realized through constant
institutional construction.
(China Daily March 19, 2007)