The draft general provisions of civil law will be submitted to the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in March 2017, China's top legislature decided Sunday.

The NPC Standing Committee said legislation of civil code is the requirement of a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.

The draft was first submitted in June and for second and third readings at NPC Standing Committee sessions in October and December.

The general provisions are the first step in establishing a civil code. The legislature expects to integrate existing civil laws into a code by 2020.

The general provisions will be guiding principles and of great significance in protecting civil rights.

The NPC Standing Committee on Sunday decided to convene the Fifth Session of the 12th NPC on March 5, 2017.