Charity law aims for culture of giving

Chinese lawmakers approved the country's first charity law on Wednesday at the closing meeting of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

The law, which will come into force in September, was ratified by a vote of 2,636 to 131, with 83 abstentions.

The new law eases restrictions on the fund-raising and operational activities of charity groups, tightens supervision of their internal management and promises tax benefits for the sector.