Draft civil laws aimed at better protecting private property in order to stimulate economic growth have gone before the National People's Congress (NPC).
The decision to codify civil laws laying down the rights of individuals and corporations was made at last month's party congress, where it was agreed strengthening protection would encourage private investment.
NPC chairman Li Peng is determined to get the task under way before he steps down from office in March.
In the Chinese constitution, state property, defined as 'sacred and inviolate', enjoys the highest and most unambiguous form of protection. In comparison, protection for private property is far less clear, said Jiang Ping, a law professor at the China Politics and Law University in Beijing.
For the market economy to function smoothly, it is essential to safeguard the rights of individuals and corporations, he said.
The Civil Law Code seeks to strengthen the protection of private property and offers guidelines on settling disputes.