BEIJING - Chinese lawmakers on Thursday urged both proper regulation of overseas nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in China and protection of their legal rights.

A bill to regulate overseas NGOs in China was submitted for its first reading at the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress standing committee, which runs from Monday to Sunday.

A document issued after the discussion said that most of the legislators believe it is necessary to use law to administer, guide and supervise overseas NGOs to ensure that they act in accordance with law.

The current bill combines both China's experiences and good practices from overseas and is "generally practicable."

Also on Thursday, legislators reviewed a draft law on national security, recognizing the necessity of such a law in safeguarding national sovereignty and interests and social stability as well as in promoting the rule of law.

They urged acceleration of the legislation process for the law while demanding further improvements.