Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed the need to strengthen foreign-related legal system development, as he chaired a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday.
Xi highlighted the need to create law-based governance conditions and a favorable external environment for advancing Chinese modernization.
Xi emphasized that bolstering the rule of law in foreign affairs serves the long-term need for building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization.
He further underscored the immediate importance of foreign-related legal system development in fostering high-standard opening-up and addressing external risks and challenges.
Calling for attention to the importance and urgency of the issue, Xi stressed the need to foster a foreign-related legal system and capacity that meet the needs of high-quality development and high-standard opening-up.
Professor Huang Huikang from Wuhan University gave a lecture, after which members of the Political Bureau had a discussion.
Speaking after the discussion, Xi pointed out that foreign-related legal framework is an important part of China's legal system.
He emphasized that the fundamental purpose of advancing law-based governance in foreign-related affairs is to safeguard the interests of the country and the people through legal means, facilitate progress in international rule of law, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
The path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics must be followed with unswerving commitment, Xi added.
Xi underscored the importance of well-structured top-level design, adding that foreign-related legislation, law enforcement, jurisdiction, law compliance and legal services ought to be advanced simultaneously.
In addition, efforts should be taken to advance reform in the system and mechanism of foreign-related trial and judicature, said Xi.
He also highlighted the need to cultivate arbitration institutions and law firms of international prestige.
Xi urged efforts to build a strong legal security chain to protect China's overseas interests.
He noted the necessity for guiding Chinese citizens and enterprises to abide by local laws, regulations and customs when going abroad, and that they should apply laws and rules to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
The international order based on international law must be resolutely upheld, Xi noted, adding that China should actively take part in the formulation of international rules and promote the rule of law in international relations.
Xi said the rule of law is the best environment for doing business.
He stressed building an open and transparent foreign-related legal system, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of foreign-funded enterprises, and fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.
Noting that the institutional opening-up should be steadily expanded and trade and investment liberalization and facilitation should be improved, Xi said effective measures and mature experience of high-standard opening-up such as the ones tested in pilot free trade zones should be timely elevated to law provisions.
Efforts should be made to improve measures and relevant laws and regulations to facilitate services for foreigners who live in China, Xi added.
Xi also underlined the importance of fostering professional personnel.
Xi emphasized the need to strengthen confidence in the rule of law, and actively interpret China's unique concepts, propositions, and successful practices related to the rule of law in foreign affairs. He highlighted efforts to promote the creative transformation and development of fine traditional Chinese legal culture.
(Cover: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairs a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing, November 27, 2023. /CMG)