Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Ms. He Rong, minister of justice

Ms. Liu Changchun, director general of the Secretariat of the Office of the Commission for Overall Law-Based Governance of the CPC Central Committee

Mr. Zhang Yaoming, director general of the First Bureau of Legislation of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

Mr. Tian Xin, director general of the Bureau of Lawyers' Work of the MOJ

Ms. Du Yaling, director general of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the MOJ

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

Nov. 23, 2023

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 30th press conference in the series "Embarking on the New Journey — A Government Perspective." We have invited Ms. He Rong, minister of justice, to brief you on strengthening the rule of law to support high-quality development, and to take your questions. Also present at today's press conference are Ms. Liu Changchun, director general of the Secretariat of the Office of the Commission for Overall Law-based Governance of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Zhang Yaoming, director general of the First Bureau of Legislation of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ); Mr. Tian Xin, director general of the Bureau of Lawyers' Work of the MOJ; and Ms. Du Yaling, director general of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the MOJ. 

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. He for her introduction. 

He Rong:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, greetings to you all. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your care and support for the work of justice and administration.  

In recent years, the MOJ has adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), thoroughly practiced Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, and earnestly performed relevant duties of the Office of the Commission for Overall Law-Based Governance of the CPC Central Committee at the MOJ. We have coordinated our efforts to fulfill the tasks related to the overall law-based governance, and taken solid steps to advance such areas as legislation, law-based government administration, punishment execution, public legal services, and foreign-related rule of law. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress lays out specific deployments of promoting the rule of law, and underlines advancing the rule of law in domestic and foreign-related affairs in a coordinated manner. Today, I will focus on how in recent years, and especially this year, the MOJ has performed its functions of advancing foreign-related rule of law to promote high-quality development and high-standard opening up. This is mainly presented in the following aspects:

First, based on our duties, we have implemented the major deployments made by the CPC Central Committee for foreign-related rule of law in a coordinated manner. We aim to accelerate the development of a strategic layout of foreign-related rule of law and the establishment of a system of laws that is applicable beyond the national jurisdiction, improve the judicial capacity of foreign-related law enforcement, and enhance talent training regarding foreign-related rule of law. To this end, we have stepped up research and coordination, and formulated and issued related guidelines, thoroughly implementing the decisions and deployments made by the CPC Central Committee based on our functions. 

Second, we have expedited establishing a well-conceived system of foreign-related laws and regulations. Following the arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we have implemented the legislation work plans made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the State Council, and endeavored to improve the quality and efficiency of foreign-related legislation. We have worked with relevant departments in researching, drafting, reviewing and revising important and fundamental laws and regulations such as the Law on Foreign Relations, Law on Foreign State Immunity and Regulation on Consular Protection and Assistance. The MOJ is leading the revision of the Arbitration Law to further refine an arbitration system with Chinese characteristics and providing more open foreign-related arbitration services. It is fair to say that China's foreign-related legal system has been constantly improving. Currently, a group of foreign-related legislation projects including the Anti-Money Laundering Law are gaining significant momentum. 

Third, we have deepened exchange and cooperation on the rule of law. The MOJ takes responsibility for conducting international cooperation on the rule of law and serves as the international department (central government organ) of judicial assistance as per the treaties on international judicial assistance. This September, we held the 10th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Justice and General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a letter of congratulations to the meeting. The meeting witnessed the signing of a joint statement among participating parties and secured fruitful outcomes. We have intensified exchanges with other countries and international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and deepened pragmatic cooperation in such fields as fighting cross-border crime, providing legal services and judicial assistance, and transferring sentenced persons. We have also bolstered our efforts to advance the signing of and compliance in judicial assistance treaties in international criminal, civil and commercial matters, playing an active role in guaranteeing economic growth as well as social safety and stability of different countries through the rule of law. Currently, China has signed bilateral judicial assistance treaties with 86 countries, and treaties on the transfer of sentenced persons with 17 nations. On average, more than 300 judicial assistance requests in international criminal matters and over 3,000 requests in civil and commercial matters have been handled annually.

Fourth, we have sped up to improve foreign-related legal services, which is an issue of common concern. Recently, at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG) Conference, we pledged support for accelerating the building of international commercial arbitration centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hainan. Meanwhile, we have enhanced foreign-related legal work such as work of lawyers, notarization, and commercial conciliation, jointly conducted overseas notarization via video link with overseas embassies and consulates, fostered commercial conciliation organizations, and coordinated all kinds of foreign-related legal resources. All these facilitate Chinese people and enterprises to go global. We have fully leveraged the role of the Belt and Road International Lawyers Association, established legal cooperation platforms for countries and regions along the Belt and Road, and provided higher-quality legal services on international trade, cross-border investment, and maritime affairs. At present, Chinese law firms have set up 180 branches in 35 countries and regions, with over 12,000 foreign-related lawyers. We will stay committed to fostering more foreign-related lawyers of high caliber. Since this year, more than 2.5 million cases of foreign-related notarization have been handled across China, with notarial documents sent to more than 180 countries and regions. In addition, more than 3,000 arbitration cases related to over 100 countries and regions have been handled in such areas as finance, construction, contracts, intellectual property rights, and digital economy. The total value handled amounted to over 100 billion yuan. 

Fifth, we have stepped up the cultivation of high-caliber talent for handling foreign-related matters as well as Hong Kong-and-Macao-related legal cases. We have formulated "Opinions on Strengthening Legal Education and Legal Theory Research in the New Era" with relevant departments, which was issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. The "Opinions" document sets out a curriculum regarding the study of foreign-related law and the cultivation of foreign-related legal talent. At present, we are expediting the building of national-level foreign-related research bases on law-based governance and improving our abilities to conduct theoretical research on and the application of international laws. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, we have hosted programs in some colleges to cultivate foreign-related lawyers and postgraduates who majored in international arbitration. We enhanced the cultivation of foreign-related lawyers, formed a national list of 1,000 talented foreign-related lawyers, and constructed a talent pool on foreign-related arbitration, thus providing legal talent support for Chinese modernization. We have prolonged a program for another three years to enable law practitioners from Hong Kong and Macao to practice law in nine cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Some of our friends from the media at present today come from Hong Kong and Macao. The measure has been welcomed by law practitioners in Hong Kong and Macao and other fields of society, promoting them to further engage in national development. 

That's all for my introduction. We will answer your questions. Thank you. 

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Ms. He. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before posing your questions.

CCTV:

What measures has the MOJ taken in building a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment? Thank you. 

He Rong:

I will answer the question. It's a good and important question. The market economy is a law-based credit economy. Law-based governance guarantees the consolidation of a foundation, stabilization of expectations, and benefit of long-term goals, which are crucial for high-level opening up. We have earnestly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and taken pragmatic measures to improve the business environment. 

On the aspect of legislation aimed at improving the business environment, we have made efforts to equally protect the legitimate rights and interests of various entrepreneurs and enterprises under all forms of ownership according to the law, by formulating and revising laws and regulations. This includes state-owned, private, and foreign enterprises. We have provided and implemented equitable and law-based protection to all kinds of enterprises, including domestic and foreign, state-owned and private, large, medium, small, and micro businesses so as to facilitate the optimization of the systems and regulations related to property rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit. This year, the Regulation on the Supervision and Administration of Private Investment Funds has been formulated and issued, and the revision of other important laws concerning public bidding, accounting, insurance, and anti-unfair competition have been accelerated. At the same time, we also beefed up our work to remove provisions in administrative regulations that disobey equity. Since the beginning of this year, the MOJ carried out a special campaign to concentrate on removing such provisions in all the 602 administrative regulations. We have already published two batches of results to the public and will publish a third batch as soon as possible. Last month, 33 kinds of fines were abolished or adjusted involving various fields and business entities, which effectively eased the burden of business entities and served the building of a fair, transparent, predictable, and law-based business environment.

For another example, on the aspect of enforcing the law in a strict, procedure-based, impartial, and non-abusive way, we have launched a three-year campaign to improve the quality of administrative law enforcement and deepened the initiative of "less certificates, more convenience." We have intensified the supervision of enterprise-related administrative law enforcement and corrected wrongdoings according to the law, such as failing to fulfill duties, acting arbitrarily, behaving uncivilly, or enforcing the law in a way that was not based on procedure. At the same time, we have prepared the implementation of the newly revised Administrative Review Law, which will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. We will give full play to administrative review as the main channel in resolving administrative disputes, enhancing coordination and cooperation with people's courts, and jointly promoting law-based government administration.

What's more, concerning the provision of high-quality legal services for market entities, we have integrated multiple functions, including lawyers, notarization, arbitration, and mediation; provided legal services like compliance management, risk prevention, and dispute resolution for enterprises; and supported the chamber of commerce to carry out individual mediation. At present, more than 11,000 professional mediation committees have been established in various enterprises, and over 3,100 mediation organizations have been established via the chamber of commerce, both of which have played important roles in practice. Since last year, more than 1.5 million enterprise-related dispute cases have been resolved. Meanwhile, we have provided legal publicity for enterprises in the context of the eighth five-year plan on improving legal awareness 2021-2025, involving the participation of numerous journalists. Our goal is to promote the concept of the rule of law and the spirit of contracts, striving to create a market environment and atmosphere advocating integrity, honesty and adherence to honoring agreements. Thank you. 

Cover News:

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress said that building a law-based government is a key task and a major part of comprehensively advancing law-based governance. What has the MOJ done to holistically promote law-based governance, and what results have you achieved? Thank you.

Zhang Yaoming:

Thank you for your question. The MOJ has earnestly implemented a series of major policy decisions and deployments by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to build a law-based government, and we have achieved remarkable results in this endeavor. In particular, we have adopted a two-pronged approach involving responsibility supervision and creation of demonstration items to coordinate the construction of a law-based government. Responsibility supervision places emphasis on strengthening accountability, ensuring the timely identification and resolution of problems to establish a closed-loop system of responsibility. The work to create demonstration items focuses on setting good examples and motivating others to follow suit. I would like to provide you with some details of our work to create demonstration items.

In recent years, we have organized two rounds of national campaigns to create demonstration items for the building of a law-based government, creating a strong atmosphere of striving for excellence in the construction of a law-based government. It's proven that such campaigns have played a significant role in accelerating the overall improvement of the construction of a law-based government.

First, such campaigns have served as a robust starting point for coordinating the development of a law-based government at the primary level. The foundation and emphasis of building a law-based government are rooted at the primary level. The targets of the campaigns for creating demonstration items are local city and county governments. By establishing the criteria for creating exemplary, law-based governments at city and county levels, we focus on evaluating key aspects such as decision-making by city and county governments in accordance with the law, the strict and standardized enforcement of laws in a fair and civilized manner, and the level of rule of law literacy among government officials. Through this evaluation process, we can identify gaps, address weaknesses, and work diligently to encourage city and county governments to enhance their administration according to the law.

Second, through these campaigns, our aspiration to build a law-based government that satisfies the public has been shown clearly. Building a law-based government is for the people and by the people. We have consistently adhered to the concept of people-centered development, focusing on optimizing public services and involving the public in policymaking, as well as strengthening law enforcement in key areas that directly impact the interests of the people. We have regarded people's experiences as an important evaluation criterion and responded to their concerns in a timely manner. Simultaneously, we have conducted extensive evaluations through third-party professional organizations to measure people's satisfaction with the construction of law-based local governments, fully reflecting people's sense of progress in building a law-based government.

Third, we have set good examples of building a law-based government in the new era. To date, a total of 90 comprehensive demonstration areas and 83 individual demonstration projects have been selected across the country. Local authorities have consistently enhanced their publicity and promotional efforts, fully capitalizing on the driving force of designated demonstration areas and projects. This has provided guidance for elevating the overall level of law-based government construction in local areas and provided a strong legal guarantee for promoting local economic and social development.

Currently, we are organizing a third round of national campaign to create more demonstration items for law-based government construction. All regions have shown great enthusiasm to participate, and a tentative list of comprehensive demonstration areas and demonstration projects will be selected in the second half of next year. Thank you.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What measures has the MOJ taken to provide services and support for the BRI, and what achievements have been accomplished? Thanks.

Tian Xin:

Thank you for your questions. We have fulfilled our duties and firmly advanced our work to provide legal guarantees for BRI cooperation, making significant progress. 

First, we have deepened international exchanges and cooperation regarding law-based governance. Under the BRI, we launched a program to foster legal service professionals and strived to establish a comprehensive platform for legal services. These outcomes were included in a list of practical cooperation deliverables formed at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. We have continued to deepen international exchange and cooperation in the realm of law-based governance by collaborating with organizations such as the U.N. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. We have signed exchange and cooperation plans, memoranda of understanding, and other bilateral cooperation documents with the justice departments of nearly 30 BRI partner countries, effectively improving mutual trust in the field of justice.

Second, we have ensured that legal services provide as much support as possible. We have encouraged Chinese lawyers to help Chinese enterprises operating overseas strengthen their compliance management, and establish and improve mechanisms for preventing and addressing overseas investment risks, thus providing high-quality and efficient legal services for BRI cooperation. Chinese law firms have established 63 branch offices in 24 BRI partner countries, while law firms from seven BRI partner countries have set up 24 representative agencies in China. A number of international commercial mediation organizations have been established in locations such as Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hainan to serve BRI development. We have strived to create a database of laws and regulations from major countries worldwide. This database includes relevant legal articles from 80 BRI partner countries, enabling law-based governance to support BRI cooperation.

Third, we have encouraged the Belt and Road International Lawyers Association (BRILA) to fully fulfill its roles. Founded by the All China Lawyers' Association, BRILA provides a platform for exchange among lawyers from BRI partner countries. At present, BRILA has more than 2,600 members at home and abroad, spanning 54 countries and regions. With nine special committees and 34 working groups dedicated to specific countries and regions, BRILA has played a positive role in deepening exchange and cooperation among lawyers from BRI partner countries and enhancing the provision of legal services. Thank you.

Nanfang Metropolis Daily:

We have observed that to get notarization services, people have to provide a plethora of documents and endure a relatively lengthy waiting period, among other issues. So, what measures has the MOJ taken to streamline notarization for the public? Thank you.

Liu Changchun:

Thank you for the question. In recent years, the MOJ has prioritized notarization-related issues that are of the greatest concern to the public and has implemented a number of measures accordingly. These measures include the adjustment of lists of documents required for notarization, with the aim of enhancing law-based governance and better satisfying the public.

First, we have continued to trim the lists of documents needed for notarization. Since the public often finds it burdensome to provide numerous documents for notarization and has developed strong sentiments on this matter, the MOJ thoroughly sorted the document lists compiled by local authorities, eliminating unnecessary items. Documents that can be independently verified by notary offices or accessed through government information-sharing systems are no longer required to be provided by the public. If the facts are clear and the legal relationship is simple, the supplementary documents needed for notarization need not be original copies. Following the revision of the previous lists, we issued the List of Supporting Documents for Notarial Matters (2023 Edition), which covers 81 notarial matters in 33 categories, in June, eliminating 116 unnecessary documents, amounting to a reduction of 29.3%. With this, we solved the problem of repetitive and unnecessary efforts, gaining widespread recognition from the public.

Second, we have continuously optimized our notarization services. To ensure the well-being of the people and enhance the business environment in key areas, the MOJ has instructed local authorities to expand the scope of one-stop handling of all notarization matters, fully implementing the one-time notification system. We have established a collaborative mechanism between notarization and consular authentication, achieving "one application, one-window acceptance, and coordinated processing," thus overcoming the "last-mile challenge" in the notarization and authentication process. We have also launched the "Internet Plus Notarization" initiative and promoted the "cross-provincial handling" of certain notarization matters. We have selected 295 notarization institutions to collaborate with overseas embassies and consulates in conducting remote video notarization, meeting the notarization service needs of Chinese citizens abroad.

Third, we have successfully reduced the burden on the public for notarization. We have enhanced the mechanism for determining notarization service prices, clearly identifying basic notarization services crucial to people's livelihoods. We have also offered guidance to local authorities to waive or reduce notarization fees for special groups, such as low-income individuals and older adults, in accordance with regulations. Since the beginning of this year, we have processed over 11,000 will notarizations for elderly individuals free of charge. Thank you.

Red Star News:

As a legislative department, what specific measures has the MOJ taken to provide high-quality legislative services to ensure the overall work of the Party and the country? Thank you.

Zhang Yaoming:

Thank you for your attention to legislative work. The MOJ has resolutely implemented the major decisions and arrangements made at the 20th CPC National Congress and has thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. We have consistently provided high-quality legislative services to ensure the development of the Party and the country, and we have carried out various tasks related to administrative legislation in an orderly and effective manner. Since the beginning of this year, we have completed 41 legislative projects urgently needed for reform and eagerly anticipated by the public. For example, we have submitted draft laws to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for review, including the draft of The Tariff Law, the revised draft of The Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics, the revised draft of The Law on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and the revised draft of The Food Security Law. We have also submitted regulations to the State Council, such as the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Private Investment Funds, Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace, Regulations on the Administration of Social Insurance, and Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Our specific approach are as follows: First, we adhere to highlighting priorities and addressing urgent needs, always keeping in mind the responsibility of serving matters of national significance. We have prioritized major legislative projects and significant legislative tasks assigned by the CPC Central Committee. We have improved the institutional systems urgently needed for national governance, essential for meeting the people's ever-growing needs for a better life, and crucial for safeguarding national security. We have actively promoted legislation in key areas, emerging fields, and foreign-related domains. Regarding legislation in foreign-related domains, as Ms. He mentioned, we have amended the arbitration law. We have actively drawn on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration and international experiences and practices in our work. We have aligned with internationally accepted rules, enabling both domestic and foreign enterprises to resolve disputes fairly and in accordance with the law within our country. All these efforts have provided legal guarantees for nurturing world-class arbitration institutions, advancing the construction of the international commercial arbitration center, and creating a new pinnacle for international dispute resolution and legal services.

Second, we strengthened communication and coordination and took decisive action on focal points of conflicts. To comprehensively advance the implementation of the legislative plan of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC and the annual legislative work plan of the State Council, we proactively enhanced communication and coordination with the drafting departments of major legislative projects with tight timelines. We intervened proactively when necessary, accelerated the progress, and established cross-departmental and high-level task forces to coordinate efforts and concentrate on implementation. We also intensified consultation, study, judgment, supervision, and guidance, employing various means to foster consensus among all parties and facilitate the smooth completion of legislative projects.

Third, we coordinated the formulation, revision, abolition, and interpretation of laws to provide legal support for major national reforms. We are committed to advancing reforms within the framework of the rule of law and enhancing the rule of law in the process of reform. We have offered legal safeguards for initiatives such as the pilot cross-provincial marriage registration program for mainland residents, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, and the establishment of National Ecology Day. Additionally, we introduced reform measures to advance exploring and piloting efforts in an orderly manner. Thank you.

CNR:

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that developing the rule of law should not only focus on addressing existing issues but also preventing potential problems. What achievements have been made in people's mediation, and what measures will be taken next? Thank you.

Liu Changchun:

I will take this question. Throughout this year, judicial and administrative authorities at all levels have diligently implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee. Following the "Fengqiao model," we have steadfastly advanced the mediation work, fully leveraging its foundational role in resolving conflicts and disputes. On Oct. 8, the MOJ and the Supreme People's Court jointly convened a national conference on mediation, outlining plans for thoroughly studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and ensuring effective mediation in the new era and on the new journey. Specific achievements include:

First, the network of mediation organizations has been continuously strengthened. Nearly 700,000 people's mediation committees have now been established nationwide, forming a comprehensive organizational network covering urban and rural areas, key sectors, and units.

Second, the number of people's mediators continues to grow. China has nearly 3.2 million people's mediators, including over 410,000 full-time mediators. The composition of mediators has been further optimized and their capabilities have been enhanced.

Third, the mediation system and mechanism have seen continuous improvement. The methods of mediation have become more convenient and efficient, and the institutionalization and standardization of the mediation work have been further strengthened.

Fourth, the effectiveness of mediation has been consistently enhanced. From January to September this year, 11.8 million conflicts and disputes were mediated, of which a significant portion were resolved at the grassroots level and before reaching litigation.

In the next phase, judicial and administrative organs will further strengthen the standardized construction of people's mediation organizations, improve the grassroots network of these organizations, and enhance and standardize mediation teams in fields closely related to people's production and life, such as medical care, road traffic, and labor disputes. The training of high-caliber people's mediators will be accelerated, and the building of a full-time mediator team will be vigorously strengthened. Our focus will remain on resolving conflicts and disputes at the grassroots level and in key areas, enhancing the coordination between litigation and mediation, and continually achieving new results in people's mediation. Thank you.

CGTN: 

Would you please introduce the MOJ's work regarding international exchange and cooperation, as well as its involvement in shaping international rules? Thank you.

Du Yaling:

Thank you for your question. As is widely recognized, law-based governance is an important achievement of human political civilization and serves as the shared foundation for international communication and cooperation. Fulfilling its duties in the administration of justice, the MOJ has been actively engaged in international exchange and cooperation on the rule of law, as well as the formulation of international rules. Here are our main work carried out this year:

First, we have promoted the establishment of the mechanism of the Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Justice. As Ms. He just introduced, the ministry successfully hosted the 10th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Justice in September. The justice ministers signed a joint statement during the meeting, agreeing to enhance cooperation in legal services and promote law-based governance among SCO member states. Additionally, the MOJ signed an annual cooperation framework with its counterpart in Russia and a cooperation plan with its counterpart in Kyrgyzstan, injecting strong momentum into regional and foreign-related rule of law.

Second, we have carried out high-level diplomacy regarding the rule of law. We participated in the country's major foreign affairs activities, including the seventh China-Germany inter-governmental consultation, the eighth meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism, and the fourth China-Germany high-level security dialogue. We reached consensus on strengthening exchanges and cooperation on the rule of law with foreign guests such as the prosecutor general of Russia, the minister of public security of Vietnam, the minister of justice and internal affairs of Mongolia, and the director-general of the United Nations Office at Vienna and executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. We conducted exchanges with Germany, France, Finland, and Singapore under existing bilateral mechanisms, and implemented the outcomes of the bilateral meetings between Chinese and Belarusian leaders during the SCO Samarkand Summit, continuously expanding our network of friends in the realm of law-based governance.

Third, we have actively participated in cooperation on multilateral platforms, including at the U.N. The MOJ holds a leading position as the national department responsible for crime prevention and criminal justice within the U.N. framework. We have proactively organized and taken part in relevant meetings of the U.N. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice while strengthening collaborations with international organizations like the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. By doing so, we have been actively engaged in international governance and rulemaking.

Fourth, we have carried out international judicial assistance in an orderly manner. International judicial assistance is an important component of global governance. The MOJ is committed to being in contact with overseas parties, and manages judicial assistance and prisoner transfer cases in compliance with the law and relevant agreements. This year, we processed 206 requests for criminal judicial assistance and more than 2,200 requests for civil and commercial judicial assistance. In addition, we have approved the transfer of convicted individuals to 32 countries, continuously enhancing mutual trust and cooperation in judicial matters and improving the legal basis for international collaboration.

Fifth, we have effectively advanced the legal review of treaties. Since the 20th CPC National Congress, we have completed legal reviews of 16 treaties, including the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the Reference Paper on Services Domestic Regulation, the Protocol on Iran's SCO Membership, and the U.N. Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition. We have requested the State Council to promulgate the Measures for the Administration of Conclusion of Treaties, enhancing the level of law-based governance and standardization in international treaty conclusion work. We have actively participated in major treaty negotiations such as the WTO Investment Facilitation Agreement and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. Additionally, we have conducted research on joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, thereby providing legal assurance for China's participation in and leadership of international rulemaking. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

We have been closely monitoring the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Could you please provide an overview of the measures taken by the MOJ to support lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao in their participation in the Greater Bay Area's development? What achievements have been made so far? Thank you.

Tian Xin:

Thank you. Just now, Minister He mentioned that the development of the Greater Bay Area has received considerable attention from lawyers in Hong Kong and Macao. Let me briefly introduce the relevant situation. In recent years, the MOJ has diligently implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We have successively issued a series of policies and measures, including ones on the establishment of representative offices on the Chinese mainland by Hong Kong and Macao law firms, partnerships between mainland and Hong Kong and Macao law firms, participation of Hong Kong and Macao residents in mainland legal professional qualification exams and their applications for legal practice, and the engagement of Hong Kong and Macao lawyers as legal consultants in mainland law firms. These policies and measures fully harness the professional capabilities of Hong Kong and Macao law firms and lawyers, promoting better integration of the legal profession in Hong Kong and Macao into the overall development of the country and yielding significant results.

In particular, to implement the decisions and plans of the central government regarding the development of the Greater Bay Area and to support the participation of lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao in the Greater Bay Area's development, the MOJ actively promotes the pilot work of mainland practice by lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. We have organized policy promotion, legal knowledge training, exam organization and implementation while also guiding the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province to ensure lawyer practice permits and management services, providing favorable conditions for lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao to practice in the nine mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area.

Through the collaborative efforts of all relevant parties, the pilot work has achieved results. Currently, three lawyer practice exams for the Greater Bay Area have been successfully conducted, with over 1,500 lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao registering for these exams. Among them, 372 lawyers have obtained lawyer practice licenses in the Greater Bay Area. Leveraging their expertise in Hong Kong and Macao laws, as well as in relevant foreign laws, and their proficiency in mainland laws, lawyers in the Greater Bay Area have played a professional role in handling legal affairs with foreign involvement or the involvement of Hong Kong or Macao in such areas as civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, investment, and intellectual property. They have provided high-quality and efficient legal services to support the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This year, the MOJ promptly recommended extending the pilot period for lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao practicing in the Greater Bay Area and revising the pilot measures accordingly, and drafted relevant proposals and documents. Then the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress adopted a decision on this matter, whereby the General Office of the State Council revised the pilot measures. With these moves, the pilot period for lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao practicing in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area has been extended by three years. The entry requirements for the exam have also been appropriately lowered, and the coverage of the pilot policies has been expanded, generating enthusiastic responses in the legal communities of Hong Kong and Macao.

In the future, the MOJ will continue to refine policies to open up the mainland legal service sector to Hong Kong and Macao firms and lawyers. We will explore and develop supportive measures and mechanisms for the pilot mainland practice of lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, providing additional opportunities and platforms for them to practice on the mainland. We welcome more law firms and lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao to develop their businesses and careers here, actively participating in the promotion of the rule of law in the country and contributing their expertise and strength to the advancement of Chinese-style modernization. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

The last two questions, please. 

ThePaper.cn:

We have observed that China's foreign-related legal services have experienced rapid development in recent years. What specific measures has the MOJ taken to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises? Could you please provide more details on the achievements that have been made in this regard? Thank you.

Tian Xin:

I will address your questions. The MOJ has consistently prioritized foreign-related legal affairs, implementing various measures and vigorously promoting the growth of foreign-related legal services to support China's high-quality opening-up.

First, we have advanced the development of foreign-related legal service institutions, promoted the growth of world-class law firms, and collaborated with relevant departments to enhance policies and measures to enable more Chinese lawyers to enter the global stage. Compared to 2018, the number of overseas branches of Chinese law firms has increased by 47.5%. These branches have played a positive role in boosting Chinese and foreign economic and trade relations, as well as international cooperation, by enhancing legal services across multiple fields, including investment, energy, basic infrastructure, intellectual property rights, and tax matters. The MOJ has supported nine domestic arbitral institutions in participating in the Supreme People's Court's "one-stop" diversified international commercial dispute settlement mechanism. Additionally, the ministry has advocated for the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission to establish branches in North America and Europe.

Second, we have expedited the training of talents in foreign-related legal services. The ministry has introduced relevant training measures and adopted a multi-method, multi-tiered, and field-based approach to facilitate the development of high-quality lawyers in foreign-related legal services. The ministry has conducted three senior training sessions for foreign-related lawyers and 10 training sessions for talent in foreign-related legal services. Compared to 2018, the number of foreign-related lawyers nationwide has surged by more than 4,800, representing a 67.8% increase.

Third, we have deepened international cooperation in legal services. During the 10th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Ministers of Justice, we convened the International Legal Services Forum themed on "Deepening cooperation in legal services to boost regional economic and trade development," promoting international exchanges to achieve practical results. The ministry has also held legal services exhibitions at the China International Fair for Trade for three consecutive years, inviting 139 foreign-related legal service institutions to participate in the fair to further enhance the global presence of Chinese foreign-related legal service agencies.

Fourth, we have steadily promoted the opening-up of the legal service industry. The ministry has supported foreign law firms in establishing representative offices in China and conducted pilot programs allowing Chinese law firms to recruit foreign legal advisors and assign lawyers to serve as legal advisors to overseas counterparts and vice versa. To date, a total of 158 overseas law firms from 20 countries have established 208 representative offices in China. Overseas arbitral institutions are allowed to conduct foreign-related arbitration business in designated areas, with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center having established its branch institution in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. Thank you.

Legal Daily:

Talents are one of the driving forces for the development of various industries. Could you please provide information on the measures the MOJ has taken to strengthen the training of legal professionals specializing in foreign-related matters? Thank you.

Liu Changchun:

Let me respond to your question. The cultivation of legal professionals specializing in foreign-related matters is foundational to the development of foreign-related rule of law. In this regard, our efforts have primarily focused on the following initiatives.

First, based on our responsibilities, we have implemented the "Opinions on Strengthening Legal Education and Legal Theoretical Research in the New Era" issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. This involves enhancing the macro-guidance of the Secretariat of the Office of the Commission for Overall Law-Based Governance of the CPC Central Committee on legal education and the guidance of the State Council's education authorities and judicial administrative departments on legal education in colleges and universities. We have also deployed a series of key tasks in the construction of the law school system, legal education system and legal theory research system. This includes improving the professional setting of foreign-related law disciplines and strengthening the construction of international law disciplines. The Secretariat of the Office of the Commission for Overall Law-Based Governance of the CPC Central Committee has coordinated the implementation of the opinions and worked closely with relevant departments to promote the implementation of the tasks.

Second, we have strengthened the construction of training bases for legal professionals specializing in foreign-related matters. In collaboration with relevant departments, we have identified a number of national-level foreign-related rule of law research bases, and jointly deployed and carried out the construction of innovative bases for collaborative training of legal professionals specializing in foreign-related matters. This initiative is centered around addressing the national strategic needs in foreign-related rule of law, and accelerating the training of legal professionals specializing in this domain.

Third, we have strengthened the development of legal service teams specializing in foreign-related matters. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, we have implemented two professional master's degree graduate training law programs for foreign-related lawyers and international arbitration at selected universities, recruiting and training 1,157 postgraduates of law for foreign-related lawyers and 427 postgraduates of law in international arbitration. We established a "Belt and Road Initiative" cross-border lawyer talent pool, which included 143 domestic and foreign law firms and 205 domestic and foreign lawyers. Through selection, we have formed a talent list of thousands of foreign-related lawyers across the country covering cross-border investment, international trade, civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, and other fields. We created a high-quality and professional foreign-related arbitration talent team through such methods as establishing an expert committee for foreign-related arbitration talent training and conducting certificate education in foreign-related arbitration projects.

Fourth, we have established a foreign-related legal talent reserve in the judicial administration system. Regular training courses for legal professionals specializing in foreign-related matters in the national judicial administration system are organized to cultivate talents who are familiar with international legal regulations and are adept at handling foreign-related legal affairs. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun: 

Thank you, Ms. He, all the speakers, and friends from the media. That concludes today's briefing. 

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Li Huiru, Wang Qian, Yuan Fang, Zhang Junmian, Wang Yiming, Yan Bin, Zhou Jing, Wang Wei, Liu Jianing, Lin Liyao, Zhang Rui, Yan Xiaoqing, Liu Sitong, Liu Caiyi, He Shan, Wang Ziteng, Qin Qi, Ma Yujia, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.