China's top legislature on Tuesday passed an amended state secrets law as it concluded its two-day plenary session in the capital.

Members of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) voted to adopt the revised Law on Guarding State Secrets.

President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to promulgate the law, which will take effect from May 1.

This is the first time the bill has been revised in more than a decade.

NPCSC chairman Zhao Leji presided over the plenary meeting.

The revision will provide a stronger legal guarantee for work deemed confidential and aimed at safeguarding the country's national security and interests, Zhao said.

During the two-day meeting, NPCSC members also deliberated a work report of the top legislative body and the draft agenda of the NPC session that begins on March 5, among other documents. (Xinhua/Reuters)