Highlight - Does CPC stand above rule of law ?

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On June 29, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese government granted a selected group of prisoners special pardons, as another step epitomizing the principle of governing the country with both the rule of law and consideration for people.

This is the ninth special pardons since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory against Japanese aggression, more than 30,000 prisoners were granted special pardons.

The recipients of special pardons are selected with seriousness and strictness. Only those who have made contributions to the war against Japanese aggression, to the founding of the New Republic, to the defending of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, or to the advancement of the country's major projects can receive pardons.

"Holding great significance for both politics and the rule of law, the special pardon is a major agenda of the session of the top legislature," said NPC Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu. "It also helps popularize the concept of the rule of law, temper justice with mercy, maintain social stability and uphold the judicial protection of human rights."

Hundreds of teachers and students from Beijing universities read the constitution together to celebrate Constitution Day / VCG Photo

How is consideration for people embodied in rule of law upheld by the CPC? Robert Lawrence Kuhn explored this question with Li Junru, former vice-president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

According to Minister Li Junru, the CPC has issued comprehensive guidelines for ruling the country according to law under the leadership of CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping, underlining the CPC's leadership while maintaining people's position as master of the country.

The will of the people is transformed into laws under the leadership of the CPC and the Party must act within the limits prescribed by the Constitution and laws.

More importantly, the rule of law is employed to supervise the CPC, enabling the Party to better serve the people and lead the nation. The Party must make greater efforts to catch up with countries that have a complete system of rule of law enforcement by integrating CPC leadership, people's mastery of the country, and rule of law into an organic whole.