Party's leadership 'most fundamental guarantee' for rule of law in China: communique

The Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership is "the most fundamental guarantee" for comprehensively advancing the rule of law and building a country under the socialist rule of law, leaders said at a key meeting Thursday.[Special coverage]

The effectiveness of implementing rule of law will be a significant index in judging the work of officials at various levels and will be added to their performance appraisal system, the Party said, according to a communique of the fourth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee held from Monday to Thursday.

The communique called for governing by law, and all cadres taking the lead to abide by law, warning against illegally exercising powers, allow replacement of law with words, pressing law with powers, and bending law for personal gains.

Party organizations in the people's congresses, governments, political advisory bodies, judicial apparatus and procuratorates at all levels should lead and monitor their units in abiding by Constitution and laws, and all legal violations in exercising powers, the communique said.

The communique also called for improved regulations and system of the Party to strengthen self-discipline and promote Party members to take the lead in abiding by state laws.

The People's Liberation Army will promote the rule of law and enforce strict discipline. Tightly focusing on the goal of building a stronger army under the new circumstances, the country will establish a military legal system with Chinese characteristics, and improve the level of rule of law in national defense and army building.

China will guarantee the practice of "one country, two systems" and promote national reunification in line with laws, maintaining the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong and Macao, and protecting the rights and interests of peoples in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, according to the communique.

The country will also strengthen its work on foreign-related legal work, safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Chinese citizens, legal persons' legitimate rights in abroad and that of the foreign people and legal persons, the communique said.