From Xinhua:
China’s draft law on the mediation and arbitration of rural land contract disputes was submitted Monday for a third reading by lawmakers.
The proposed law has been revised since its second draft. In the third version, the draft adds “mediation” to its title, with a greater focus on reconciliation before conflicts go to arbitration.
The draft regulates the mediation process in a new chapter, recommending that local government officials explain laws and regulations to farmers and encourage them to resolve conflicts through mediation.
The draft law represents an attempt to standardize the arbitration process, with land contract disputes having become more frequent and varied in recent years. These disputes are addressed as “a factor affecting rural harmony and stability.”
