China's top legislators Tuesday approved a proposal by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to make a number of major amendments to the Constitution.

The legislators, attending the current Sixth Session of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People’s Congress (NPC), said they would table a bill on the amendments to the Constitution at the Second Session of the 10th National People’s Congress for approval in March next year.

On Monday, the proposal was tabled for discussion by the Standing Committee. The top legislators will draft a bill on the amendments according to the proposal by the CPC.

The proposal calls for a provision “Private property obtained legally shall not be violated” to be written into the Constitution.

Another amendment will be explicit in expressing that the State must respect and protect human rights.

The CPC proposal suggests changing the terms of local deputies, currently from three to five years, to five years as standard.

It also adds provisions on a state of emergency, and extensions of the president’s authority in foreign affairs and the national anthem.

Overseas media Tuesday hailed the proposal. The New York Times said the proposed amendment to protect private property was a milestone in China’s 25-year economic effort.