China unveils legal reform blueprint

[Randy W]

It seems vague enough! From the Global Times . . .

 

Of course, the overseas NGO's (foreign Non-Governmental Organizations, such as those sponsored by the United States) Deserve their own, very special mention.

 

China unveils legal reform blueprint

 

Xi stresses ‘socialist path in rule of law’

http://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2011/c07dd401-a811-4a48-a4a0-d3b07c1b5f1e.jpeg

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China will adhere to a "socialist path in the rule of law" under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) while stressing constitutional supervision and banning extralegal administration by giving authorities a list of powers.

. . .

China will also set a list of powers for government and ban administrative authorities from any extralegal power. They cannot create any additional obligations for citizens or others without due authorization, reads the document.

"Establishing a list of powers helps to clarify the relationship between the market and government as China is pressing ahead with its market economy reforms. This will limit the government's power by only laying out what the government can do [with the rest being illegal]," Yang told the Global Times.

While stressing the Constitution, Xi also emphasized that "Party leadership is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the most fundamental guarantee of the socialist rule of law."

. . .

The juxtaposition of reform and the rule of law suggests that construction of the legal system is by no means a subset of comprehensive reform, yet the two aims are complementary. With the third plenary session having established a framework to clear policy barriers and aimed at stimulating social dynamics to boost the economy, the fourth plenum offered a solution to set up an ideal order for various industries to thrive and a better judicial system to secure people's rights.

As a reflection of this juxtaposition, the decision document stated that China will start to compile a civil code, a move that analysts view as a breakthrough in the country's legislation efforts, and also symbolizes that its market economy system is becoming mature.

. . .

With extensive measures to build a better legal system, Xi stressed the importance of a fair and independent judiciary as a protection to all.

"The judicial system is the last line of defense for social justice," he said. "If it fails, people will widely question [the country's ability to realize] social justice and it will be hard to maintain stability."

 

[Randy W]

Headlines and Highlights from CCTV

 

Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee

 

Oct. 20-23, 2014

[danb]

Hi Randy, Yes it is October. Time for their annual (CPC) meetings. I haven't noticed that much about them in the western press this year. I d id read an article about the introduction of moving to wards the rule of law concept. Not 100 % sure what that entails for any country.Probably different for each country. I guess it is important to have rules that are laws. Ones that are adhere to. Does that mean (binding by law) a constitution? I wonder if Hong Kong Occuppy movement had anything to do with this interests of a movement toward "rule of law" type government. In my civil government I don't recall talking about rule of law. An interesting question may be if they don't presently have rules of law then what system do they have? Danb

[Randy W]

Hi Randy, Yes it is October. Time for their annual (CPC) meetings. I haven't noticed that much about them in the western press this year. I d id read an article about the introduction of moving to wards the rule of law concept. Not 100 % sure what that entails for any country.Probably different for each country. I guess it is important to have rules that are laws. Ones that are adhere to. Does that mean (binding by law) a constitution? I wonder if Hong Kong Occuppy movement had anything to do with this interests of a movement toward "rule of law" type government. In my civil government I don't recall talking about rule of law. An interesting question may be if they don't presently have rules of law then what system do they have? Danb

 

 

What may happen is that to one degree or another moving toward a system of "rule by law" may involve explaining how their existing system already fits that concept "with Chinese characteristics", and how their anti-corruption campaign will further that goal. China already has a constitution - http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/Constitution/node_2825.htm

 

No - Hong Kong is operated under a different system of laws with he own legal system and courts - "one country, two systems". The Hong Kong protests have nothing to do with the way the Mainland is governed.

 

China seems to be falling into a "ho-hum" mode with regards to the Western media - I don't see any major changes happening, including with this.

 

"Rule-of-law" is a concern with foreign corporations who wish to be treated fairly and without major surprises - if the only pays lip service to their concerns or use the "rule of law" concept to further hold their feet to the fire, that doesn't bode well for foreign investment in China.