China's People-Centered Approach to Rule of Law
In the digital era, regulating virtual worlds and protecting cyberspace rights are pressing challenges. Beyond traditional court lawsuits, the Chinese mainland explores alternative channels to handle disputes and safeguard the rights of nearly 30 million hearing-impaired residents.
At the heart of these efforts is President Xi Jinping's unwavering commitment to the rule of law. As the third of the Four Comprehensives, the rule of law encompasses Xi's foundational governance theory, solidified between 2014 and 2015. \"If the rule of law prospers, the country will prosper; if the rule of law declines, the country will be in chaos,\" Xi emphasizes, highlighting its critical role in modernization.
\"Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law\" seeks to establish a comprehensive and systematic legal framework aimed at fostering coordination, integrity, and synergy across all levels of governance. This thought underpins initiatives like enhancing legal access for deaf residents, introducing new regulations for internet-related matters, and promoting grassroots mediation and dispute resolution.
Distinct from capitalist models, the Chinese mainland’s socialist rule of law is characterized by its people-centered approach. Experts argue that this ensures the legal system evolves to address emerging fields, strengthen legal supervision, combat corruption, and enhance judicial training. Despite criticisms suggesting the Party may still dominate legal processes, Party theorists assert that the vast majority of cases uphold the supremacy of law, with only rare exceptions following the Chinese characteristic of \"rule of virtue.\"
Under Xi Jinping's leadership, all Party officials are now mandated to adhere strictly to the law, eliminating previous practices where some local officials evaded legal accountability. Corrupt judges now face prosecution without statute of limitations, even post-retirement, marking a significant step towards reinforcing the rule of law.
The aspirations of the Chinese mainland’s rule of law are encapsulated in six guiding principles: people-centered, comprehensive, systematic, fair, just, and equal. As the Chinese mainland continues to refine its legal landscape, these principles aim to ensure a stable and prosperous society where the rule of law supports sustainable development and protects the rights and interests of all its residents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
