BEIJING -- The National People's Congress, China's national legislature, held a news conference on Wednesday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session.

Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the fourth session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session.

Annual session of China's national legislature to review key legislative items

The fourth session of the 14th NPC is set to begin on Thursday morning and conclude on the afternoon of March 12, spokesman Lou Qinjian said.

NPC legislation advances socialist market economy and whole-process people's democracy

Lou revealed that over the past year, the NPC Standing Committee reviewed 40 drafts, including laws, legal interpretations, and decisions, with 24 being enacted.

NPC Standing Committee enhances oversight to foster development and public welfare in China

Proposed law aims to enhance ethnic unity

Drafting a law on promoting ethnic unity and progress is key to fostering a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation and ensuring the lawful rights and interests of people from all ethnic groups are better safeguarded, Lou said.

Draft code aims to harmonize environmental legislation and promote sustainable development

A draft of the environmental code that national legislators will deliberate during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is expected to make China's environmental legislation more systematic, integrated, coordinated, and responsive, according to Lou.