A draft law on civil compulsory enforcement was submitted for the first reading to the 35th session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on June 21.

The draft law, based on legal practices with Chinese characteristics, focuses on constraint and supervision of enforcement power, regulation of enforcement behaviors as well as issues regarding the law application that cannot be solved through enforcement practices and judicial interpretations.

It stipulates punitive measures against deadbeat debtors, such as prohibiting them from buying luxury goods and restricting them from leaving the country. It also specifies the applicable conditions, implementation and duration of such punitive measures as fine and detention.

Civil compulsory enforcement shall be fair, reasonable and appropriate and also accommodate the legitimate rights and interests of all parties, according to the draft.

Experts believe the law will help the country establish a modern system for judgments enforcement which features well-defined power and responsibilities, efficient operation, strong supervision and adequate support.

It will be China's first law to address difficulties in enforcing judgments in civil cases, a key move to safeguard the people's civil rights.

Since 2019, the people's courts have handled 10.16 million enforcement cases per year, involving 1.85 trillion yuan ($289.5 billion) in concluded cases annually.