New Draft Law on Civil Aviation Includes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
A new draft law in China is set to review airworthiness certification for unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones. This important update is being discussed by Chinese lawmakers, as announced by an official from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The law aims to improve safety and strengthen passenger rights in the civil aviation sector.
Background of the Civil Aviation Draft Law
The draft amendment to the Civil Aviation Law will be presented during the upcoming session of the Standing Committee. This session will take place from Monday to Saturday in Beijing. Huang Haihua, who is a spokesman for the NPC Standing Committee’s Legislative Affairs Commission, shared that the discussion will focus not only on drones but also on enhancing the rights of passengers and overall safety in civil aviation.
Importance of the Civil Aviation Sector
Huang noted that civil aviation plays a crucial role in China’s transportation network. The industry has grown rapidly over the past few decades, with improvements in safety standards and service capacity. New business models, like the low-altitude economy, are becoming more common.
As the industry evolves, revising the law is essential. It helps to align domestic regulations with international standards and supports the high-quality development of the civil aviation sector.
Key Features of the Draft Amendment
The draft amendment is designed to provide a solid foundation for the growth of the civil aviation industry. Here are some of the key features:
Improved airspace management and flight support.
Better infrastructure and transportation services.
Talent cultivation for the industry.
Prohibition of actions that could threaten civil aviation safety.
Enhancing Passenger Rights
Another significant aspect of the draft law is focusing on passenger rights. It will establish clearer compensation responsibilities for both domestic and international airlines. This aims to tackle issues such as:
Flight delays and cancellations.
General conditions of carriage.
Overall quality of civil aviation transport services.
Future Legislative Items Under Review
During the same session, lawmakers will also look at several other important legislative proposals. These include a draft law on childcare services and another concerning environmental protection in Antarctica. Other items up for discussion are:
A draft environmental code.
A draft law promoting ethnic unity and progress.
A draft on national development planning.
Revisions to the foreign trade law.
Additionally, a draft decision regarding the fourth plenary of the 14th NPC will be reviewed.
Promotion of Public Reading in China
In a separate development, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a regulation aimed at promoting public reading. This decree will come into effect on February 1, 2026. The goal is to enhance the intellectual and cultural standards of the Chinese people.
Goals of the Reading Regulation
The new regulation highlights several key objectives:
Improving the quality of publishing.
Building more public reading facilities.
Integrating digital and traditional reading.
Also, it emphasizes the need for digital reading services to improve content management and ensure high-quality offerings.
Support for Diverse Reading Initiatives
The regulation also calls for targeted support in various areas, including:
Rural regions and former revolutionary bases.
Ethnic regions and border areas.
Less-developed regions and access for minors, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
This approach aims to make reading more accessible for everyone and foster a culture of learning across all segments of society.
