China's long-debated property law is a step closer to approval as it was tabled again to lawmakers on Sunday for the seventh reading.

Also submitted for consideration was a proposal that the bill should be put for voting at the next full session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in March.

Related readings:  China enhances state assets protection  Draft property law tabled for 6th reading  Specific issues focus of property law debate

The draft property law, a sweeping bill designed to protect both public and private ownership, has undergone more reviews than any other bill by the NPC Standing Committee, China's top legislature.

"Lawmakers agreed that the draft, after being revised for several times, is better written and is close to maturity," said Hu Kangsheng, deputy director of the NPC Law Committee, when delivering an explanatory report to the legislative penal.

He said lawmakers agreed that the draft law, which is "on the correct political direction" and is based on situation of the country, represented China's basic economic system.

Hu said, the draft, based on the principle of equality, enhanced the protection to state property, reflected China's basic policy on rural issues and safeguarded the basic interests of the general public.

"It solved the realistic problems that need to be regulated urgently," Hu said.

The NPC Law Committee, the bill's drafter, suggested the lawmakers agree to "submit the draft to the Fifth Session of the 10th National People's Congress for deliberation" after the unprecedented seventh reading. The NPC usually holds its full session in March.

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