Xi Jinping Calls for Unified Advancement of Rule of Law in China

President Xi Outlines Path for Rule of Law Advancement

Beijing, China – President Xi Jinping has called for a concerted effort to advance the rule of law in China, stressing the fundamental importance of upholding the unity between Party leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance. His instruction was conveyed at the Central Conference on Work Related to Overall Law-based Governance, held in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday, November 17-18, 2025.

Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a recent instruction on comprehensively promoting the rule of law. This directive aims to break new ground in China's legal framework and governance practices.

Key Principles and Objectives

The President's remarks underscored several key objectives for the nation's legal development. He emphasized the necessity of coordinating law-based governance with reform, development, and stability, while also prioritizing the safeguarding and promotion of social fairness and justice. The instruction highlighted the continuous improvement of the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, noting that a framework for promoting law-based governance on all fronts has largely taken shape.

Further, Xi called for comprehensive efforts across all aspects of the country's work, including:

• Ensuring sound legislation
• Promoting strict law enforcement
• Upholding impartial administration of justice
• Fostering society-wide observance of the law

These measures are intended to strengthen the system and capacity for the rule of law, providing legal safeguards for high-quality development and consolidating China's institutional strengths.

Conference Context and 'Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law'

The central conference in Beijing coincided with the fifth anniversary of the introduction of 'Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law'. This guiding philosophy, first unveiled in detail in October 2014, is considered the cornerstone for advancing law-based governance in China. It addresses fundamental questions regarding the 'why' and 'how' of law-based governance, representing the latest achievement in adapting Marxist theories on the rule of law to the Chinese context.

During the conference, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang were present. Vice Premier Ding conveyed President Xi's instruction, while Zhao Leji delivered a speech, reiterating that 'Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law' must be upheld as the long-term guiding philosophy for comprehensively advancing law-based governance in the new era.

Looking Ahead

President Xi's instruction underscores China's commitment to enhancing its governance capabilities through a robust legal system. The emphasis on integrating Party leadership with people's governance and law-based administration signals a continued drive towards a modernized socialist country where the rule of law plays a central role in achieving national rejuvenation goals.