Outreach offices give people a say in nation-building process

Top legislature's initiative acts as bridge between people and national legislators

Guo Shun, an official in Guangzhou's Nansha district, has spent recent weeks canvassing opinions on proposed amendments to China's Maritime Law, engaging with stakeholders in one of the nation's busiest port hubs.

Working alongside colleagues, Guo distributed surveys to shipping companies, law firms, insurance agencies and local law enforcement, collecting feedback from captains, crew members, carriers and legal professionals. The draft amendment, disclosed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in early November, aims to strengthen protections for maritime passengers, among other changes.

Located at Guangzhou's southernmost tip, Nansha serves as a critical shipping hub connecting the Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong and Macao. Guo said the district's unique position offers valuable insights into the proposed legislation.