BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers on Monday began deliberating a draft law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection, which seeks to bolster the management of scientific research while enhancing environmental safeguards in the Antarctic region.
The draft was submitted for its third reading to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.
The latest draft stipulates that China shall establish and improve a system for Antarctic expeditions and strengthen the management and regulation of related activities.
It also adds provisions emphasizing China's commitment to the Global Governance Initiative, upholding sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach and focusing on concrete actions, while actively participating in Antarctic global governance and the formulation of relevant international rules.
The revised draft also stipulates that China shall protect the lawful rights and interests of its citizens, legal persons and unincorporated organizations in Antarctica in accordance with the law.
To strengthen national coordination of Antarctic scientific research, the draft calls for coordinating research priorities in line with the country's development needs, while supporting and guiding research institutions, universities and social organizations in conducting Antarctic expeditions and related scientific research in an orderly manner and in accordance with the law.
In addition, the draft strengthens provisions on legal liability for damaging, moving or removing historic sites or monuments in Antarctica, introducing fines ranging from 100,000 yuan (about 14,900 U.S. dollars) to 300,000 yuan for serious violations. ■
