Draft on protecting waterways passes

A draft law on protecting and making full use of the country's limited waterway resources was passed on Wednesday at a regular executive conference of China's Cabinet.

The nation's waterways are of great importance to regional development from the eastern to the western region, from coastal areas to the inland, and along major rivers and land transportation lines, according to the conference of the State Council.

The draft has made clear stipulations on the planning, construction, protection and maintenance of waterways.