Shorter terms wouldn't apply in serious cases of corruption

China is considering stricter legislation to block felons convicted of corruption from seeking to shorten their sentences as part of its nationwide campaign to build a clean government.

The top legislature is also scheduled to discuss repealing the charge of soliciting underage prostitutes and redefining it as rape, which is regarded as a more serious crime.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress began the third reading of the draft of the ninth amendment to the Criminal Law at its bimonthly session, running from Monday to Saturday.