China mulls new law to secure national defense transport

BEIJING -- Chinese lawmakers on Monday started to deliberate a draft law on national defense transport, covering the use of railways, waterways and air routes for defense purposes.

The new law is expected to regulate the planning, construction, management and use of resources in transportation sectors such as railways, roads, waterways, aviation, pipelines and mail services, 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 Thursday.

Drafters followed a concept of integrating military and civilian resources and stressed that national defense transport should be compatible with market and economic development, Zhao Keshi, head of the Logistical Support Department of the Central Military Commission, told the top legislature.

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.

A consultation mechanism will be established between local governments and military departments and to disseminate and discuss information on construction plans, ongoing projects and demands.

Out of national defense needs, transport vehicles, facilities and materials for civilian use may be pressed into service.

The national defense transport should consider the needs of both peace and war times.

The draft further stipulates that national defense consideration should also be included in technical standards and codes for transport facilities and equipments.

No organization or individual is allowed to undermine the proper use and safety of national defense transport projects and facilities, it says.

Relying primarily on large and medium-sized transport enterprises, the country will set up a strategic projection support force to facilitate efficient organization of long-distance and large-scale national defense transport, according to the draft.

The bill also makes it clear that the expenses for defense transportation missions should be born by their users and the criteria should not be lower than the market price.

During wartime or under special circumstances of peacetime, such as armed conflicts that endanger national sovereignty, the central authorities should establish a joint command organization for national defense transport if necessary, it stipulates.

The joint command will be used to coordinate national or regional resources, organize transport operations as well as rush repairs and protection of transport 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 for other use without authorization shall face a fine up to five times of their illegal gains, the draft reads.