On November 17-18, the Central Comprehensive Law-Based Governance Conference was held in Beijing. Important directives were issued that fully affirmed the major achievements in building a law-based China since the 18th National Congress, made important arrangements for advancing comprehensive law-based governance on the new journey, emphasized “adhering to the organic unity of Party leadership, the people being the masters of the country, and law-based governance,” and called for “focusing on building a more complete socialist rule of law system with Chinese characteristics and building a higher-level socialist rule of law country” and “comprehensively advancing scientific legislation, strict law enforcement, impartial administration of justice, and law-abiding by all, and comprehensively promoting the rule of law in all aspects of national work.”

Ideas illuminate the journey, guiding the path to become broader and broader. In November 2020, the first Central Comprehensive Law-Based Governance Conference in the Party’s history was held, establishing the guiding position of the rule of law thought in comprehensive law-based governance work, which has milestone significance in the process of building socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. Over the past five years, from keeping pace with the times to continuously improve the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics with the Constitution at its core, to formulating and implementing the plan for building a law-based China, the implementation outline for building a law-based government, and the implementation outline for building a law-based society, and further to deeply advancing the construction of a law-based business environment, solidly carrying out special inspections on law enforcement and judiciary, and punishing illegal crimes according to law… Under the guidance of the rule of law thought, comprehensive law-based governance has achieved historic accomplishments, providing strong guarantees for writing new chapters of the “two major miracles.”

Recently, the first volume of “Selected Works on Rule of Law” was published and distributed, providing an authoritative textbook for the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country to deeply study and implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially the rule of law thought. By closely linking the breakthrough progress made in building a law-based China in recent years and the transformative practices that have occurred around us, we can better feel the power of truth and practical strength contained in this important thought, and more firmly determine and confident in taking the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. On the new journey of the new era, we must adhere to the guidance of the rule of law thought, firmly grasp the profound revolution of national governance that is comprehensive law-based governance, more consciously build a modern socialist country in all respects on the track of the rule of law, and jointly create a new situation in building a law-based China.

“Pay more attention to the coordination between the rule of law and reform, development, and stability, and pay more attention to safeguarding and promoting social fairness and justice.” The “two more” points out the focus of comprehensive law-based governance. Here, the focus is on how to promote the coordination between the rule of law and development to deepen understanding.

On May 30 this year, soon after the implementation of the Private Economy Promotion Law, the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme People’s Court applied this law for the first time in a case, ruling that government departments pay more than 8 million yuan in compensation to an enterprise. The rule of law consolidates the foundation, stabilizes expectations, and benefits the long term. It is precisely by using the power of the rule of law to “support” private enterprises that the vast number of enterprises truly feel that “the rule of law is the best business environment,” giving them reassurance and peace of mind to seek development.

It was emphasized: “Implementing the new development concept and achieving the shift from high-speed growth to high-quality development in the economy must adhere to the guidance of the rule of law.” Protecting clear waters and green mountains, the strict implementation of a series of laws and regulations such as the Yangtze River Protection Law has brought back the “smiling angel” finless porpoise, which once became a “rare guest.” Creating an open gateway, the formulation and introduction of laws such as the Hainan Free Trade Port Law have escorted the formation and rise of the Hainan Free Trade Port, which is about to start island-wide customs closure operations. Promoting high-quality development with high-level rule of law, our progress is more steady and our momentum is stronger.

The “Proposal” of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee included “reaching a higher level in building a socialist rule of law country” as one of the main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, proposing to build a rule of law economy and credit economy, and create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. Facing the future, firmly grasping the requirement of paying more attention to the coordination between the rule

18th National Congress

The 18th National Congress refers to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held in Beijing in November 2012. This pivotal party congress marked a leadership transition, electing Xi Jinping as the General Secretary, and set the country’s political and economic direction for the following five years.

Central Comprehensive Law-Based Governance Conference

The Central Comprehensive Law-Based Governance Conference is a high-level meeting in China focused on advancing the country’s legal framework and governance system. It reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to promote rule of law and institutional development as part of broader political reforms. These conferences have been held periodically to set legal policy directions and implementation strategies.

Selected Works on Rule of Law

“Selected Works on Rule of Law” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a compilation of writings and speeches by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. These works outline China’s official approach to legal development and governance, emphasizing socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. The collection reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s contemporary efforts to build a comprehensive legal framework while maintaining party leadership.

Private Economy Promotion Law

The “Private Economy Promotion Law” is not a physical place or cultural site but a significant piece of Chinese legislation. Enacted in 1988, it legally recognized and protected private businesses for the first time since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, marking a pivotal shift from a purely state-planned economy. This law was instrumental in encouraging entrepreneurship and fueling China’s rapid economic growth by legitimizing the private sector.

Supreme People’s Court

The Supreme People’s Court is the highest judicial organ in the People’s Republic of China. It was established in 1949, following the founding of the PRC, and is responsible for supervising the administration of justice by local and special people’s courts across the country. Its primary role is to provide final judgments and judicial interpretations of national laws.

Yangtze River Protection Law

The Yangtze River Protection Law is China’s first legislation specifically designed to protect a major river basin, which came into effect in March 2021. It was created to address severe environmental degradation and biodiversity loss along the Yangtze River, China’s longest waterway. The law establishes a comprehensive framework for ecological restoration, pollution control, and green development to ensure the long-term health of the river.

Hainan Free Trade Port Law

The Hainan Free Trade Port Law is a national legislation enacted by China in 2021 to transform Hainan Island into a globally influential free trade port by the middle of the 21st century. It establishes a legal framework for special policies, including trade and investment liberalization, as well as financial market liberalization. This law builds upon the province’s existing status as a pilot free trade zone, aiming to create a high-level opening-up of the Chinese economy.

Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee is a major upcoming political meeting of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Historically, such plenums are held to discuss and decide on key party and national issues, often setting the political direction for the country. The specific agenda and outcomes of this particular session will be announced following its conclusion.