Seventy-five years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the nation is focusing on strengthening the rule of law as a cornerstone for its future prosperity and modernization. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the critical importance of legal governance, stating, “No country that has successfully achieved modernization has not solved the problems of the rule of law and the rule of man.” This commitment was solidified early in his leadership and continues to guide China’s development.
Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law is hailed as a landmark achievement in building a legal framework for the new era. Historically, China’s legal systems were subject to intervention by ruling elites, allowing local officials to influence judicial decisions for personal gain. Under President Xi’s leadership, there is a concerted effort to eliminate such practices. Corrupt officials have been named, shamed, detained, and prosecuted, showcasing the government’s determination to uphold the law.
A significant reform has been the transfer of administration of local courts from local Party control to the provincial level. This move prevents city and county officials from interfering in legal proceedings, enhancing the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Technological advancements are also instrumental in China’s legal reforms. By the end of 2022, internet courts had accepted 429,000 internet-related cases, pioneering the “online trial of online cases” and streamlining dispute resolution processes. The China Judgments Online platform has become the world’s largest public website for judicial documents, promoting transparency and public oversight.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Legal experts in China advocate for a more comprehensive and systematic rule of law, development of laws for emerging fields, strengthening legal supervision, cracking down on corruption, and improving judicial training.
The relationship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the rule of law is fundamental. Strengthening the rule of law does not weaken the leadership of the Party; rather, it upholds and develops socialism with Chinese characteristics. President Xi has emphasized that all Party officials must abide by the law, with no exceptions. This approach is seen as crucial for the prosperity of the rule of law, the Party, and the country.
As China continues to advance its legal reforms, the emphasis on the rule of law is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s journey toward modernization and its influential role in global affairs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
