International: August 26: The 24th session of the Standing Committee of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), began in Beijing on Tuesday. The first plenary meeting, chaired by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, reviewed several important bills and draft amendments to existing laws.

The draft Health Protection Law was submitted for a third review at the session. It includes provisions on long-term care insurance aimed at protecting the rights and interests of insurance policyholders.

Meanwhile, the draft Farmland Protection and Quality Improvement Law proposed strengthening the development of talent and oversight of funds for the development of high-quality farmland, with the aim of improving and safeguarding the quality of agricultural products. A draft amendment to the Agriculture Law was also reviewed, with the aim of promoting rural economic development, protecting farmers’ rights and interests, and strengthening rural governance.

In addition to legislation, several reports were presented at the meeting on the implementation of China’s 2026 national economic and social development plan, budget execution, government debt management in 2025, and the improvement of the quality of cultural products.

Source: Shuvo-Hashim, Xinhua.