China's legistature approves a new law on national defense transport on September 3, 2016. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

China's legislature on Saturday approved a new law on national defense transport, regulating the planning, construction, management and use of transportation resources for national defense.

The new law, covering railways, waterways and air routes, was passed at the closing meeting of the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

A national authority will oversee the defense transport network, with local governments, military departments and theater commands also playing their part, according to the law.

During war or under special circumstances in times of peace, such as armed conflicts that endanger national sovereignty, central authorities may establish a joint command to coordinate national or regional resources, organize transportation, rush repairs and protection of transportation infrastructure and facilities, it says.

The reserve materials of national defense transport could be allocated for disaster relief and rescue, it said.

Under the law, those who embezzle defense transport funds or whose dereliction of duty results in losses shall be held responsible.

Those who use reserve materials of national defense transport or divert related facilities without authorization shall face a fine up to five times their illegal gains, the law reads.