Public Participation Enhances China's Maritime Law Revision

Public Participation in China's Maritime Law Revision

Guo Shun, an official in Guangzhou's Nansha district, has been actively engaging with stakeholders in the maritime industry to gather feedback on proposed amendments to China's Maritime Law. Nansha, a critical shipping hub connecting the Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong and Macao, offers valuable insights into the proposed legislation due to its unique position.

The outreach is part of a broader initiative by the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission to enhance public participation in legislation. Nansha's legislative outreach office, established in March, serves as a key link between citizens and lawmakers, embodying the principle of "whole-process people's democracy."

This initiative builds upon the system of people's congresses, which facilitates public input at all levels of governance. Since 2015, the NPC has established outreach offices nationwide, collecting suggestions on various legislative items. These suggestions have significantly impacted lawmaking, with over 3,200 proposals incorporated into laws and amendments.

Guo emphasizes the importance of informing maritime workers about their rights and the proposed revisions, which would allow passengers injured or experiencing property damage during sea travel to seek compensation. Seminars with legal professionals from Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China have been held to ensure thorough and informed feedback.

The outreach process not only informs legislation but also educates the public about their rights and strengthens their role in shaping the country's laws. Legislative outreach offices are being established in diverse settings, from community centers to colleges, further diversifying public participation and improving the quality of lawmaking.

This initiative demonstrates China's commitment to refining governance and fostering a more inclusive democracy by amplifying public engagement in lawmaking. As Anne Lafortune, the Seychelles ambassador to China, stated, "China's approach to ensuring people's voices are heard is impressive.