China's top legislative body will map out the country's first "Charity Law" to regulate charity activities, a senior official at the Ministry of Civil Affairs said at a news conference today.

The law will cover the rules on charity organizations, donations, trusts, volunteers' services and awards, said Vice Minister Dou Yupei.

The law is on the agenda of the National People's Congress and the State Council, and the ministry is conducting studies and talking to experts from around the world on the proposed law, Dou said.

The ministry is also working on "Social Aid Law" which covers the aid system for low-income families, disaster victims, and beggars, Dou said.

The ministry will submit the two draft laws for review to the State Council, which will then submit them to the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, Dou said.

(Shanghai Daily August 22, 2007)