From 10 to 11 Nov. 2020, China's legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held its 23rd session and passed three bills:
1. Copyright Law (Revised)(著作权法)
2. Veterans Protection Law (退役军人保障法)
3. Decision on the Qualifications of Members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (关于香港特别行政区立法会议员资格问题的决定)
The Copyright Law is the third amendment to this Law, which was enacted in 1990. The changes are characterized by a significant increase in compensation and fines for copyright infringement.
The Veterans Protection Law is a newly enacted law. The law provides that the government shall provide benefits such as retirement pensions, gratuities, retirement, vocational training, and employment opportunities for retired officers, sergeants, and conscripts of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) who have retired from active duty.
The Decision on the Qualifications of Members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region states that if members of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR promote or support the "Hong Kong independence" claim, refuse to recognize the state's sovereignty over Hong Kong, seek foreign or foreign forces to interfere in HKSAR affairs, or other acts endangering national security, etc., do not meet the requirements of being a member of the Legislative Council, that is, upholding the Basic Law of HKSAR and loyal to HKSAR. If these members of the Legislative Council are found to have the aforementioned circumstances, they will lose their qualifications as members of the Legislative Council.
For more about China's election and congress, please read What's Chinese Legal System?
For more about China's 2020 legislation, please read 2020 National People's Congress Legislation Tracking
References:
Copyright Law of China (2020)(Full text)
Veterans Protection Law(2020)(Full text)
Contributors: CJO Staff Contributors Team
