The victim, a woman surnamed Yang, of a human trafficking case in Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, receives treatment in hospital. Photo: A screenshot from Sina Weibo

A Chinese lawmaker has proposed to the upcoming National People's Congress (NPC) a broader crackdown on those involved in abducting, trafficking and buying women and children, after the recent high-profile people trafficking case in Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province drew nationwide attention. 

Jiang Shengnan, a deputy to the NPC, China's top legislature, proposed that any involvement in victims being detained, coerced or abused should be regarded as complicity in the crimes of abducting, trafficking and buying. 

Anyone who obstructs the rescue of the victims in any way should also be prosecuted, Jiang proposed. 

The case of the Xuzhou woman surnamed Yang caught public attention in late January and sparked nationwide outrage, with netizens demanding a thorough investigation. 

A total of 17 people have been punished or placed under investigation, and the central government has vowed to enhance measures to protect women's rights. 

Apart from Jiang, at least 10 other NPC deputies or members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) have made proposals and brought motions on the issue ahead of the upcoming two sessions in Beijing in March. 

Global Times