Chief Justice demands independent trials

China's Chief Justice Wang Shengjun has pledged to find a solution and put an end to external meddling in court trials and ensure judicial independence.

Wang, president of the Supreme People's Court, made the comments Wednesday at a national conference on judicial work.

Efforts should be made to dismiss local government authorities' interference due to protectionism in the justice system, Wang said.

Power or privilege should not override the law, and courts should adhere to the principle that all are equal and make their decisions in an impartial and unbiased way, he said.

The Chief Justice also called for more effective enforcement of court rulings.

Courts at all levels should carry out new judicial reforms with greater courage and wisdom, and break down the concepts and systems that impede judicial justice, efficiency and authority, he said.

Wang said efforts will be made to improve the transparency of judicial procedures and make justice "visible, tangible and perceptible" to the public.

For cases that raised concern and doubt, relevant courts should release information in a timely manner and explain decisions, to gain understanding, support and confidence from the public, Wang said.

He also called for efforts to reduce the inconvenience in judicial procedures for litigants and promote the use of mediation in dispute solving.

According to a document issued at Wednesday's meeting, over the past five years, Chinese courts nationwide have received 55.25 million cases, including lawsuits regarding civil, commercial, administrative and criminal matters. Courts have concluded the trials of 53.58 million cases.