China’s national lawmakers have begun deliberating a comprehensive work report from the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), presented by SPC President Zhang Jun at the recent session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The report showcases significant progress in crime reduction, legal reforms, and economic protection over the past year.
Decline in Violent Crimes
In a significant stride toward public safety, China has seen a decrease in severe violent crimes. In 2022, courts concluded 49,000 cases related to offenses like intentional homicide, marking a 5.8% decrease from the previous year and a notable 28.7% drop over the past decade.
Tough Stance on Heinous Crimes
The SPC emphasized strict and swift action against heinous crimes that challenge legal and moral standards. Last year, two individuals convicted of mass murder—Fan Weiqiu, who intentionally drove into a crowd in Guangdong Province, and Xu Jiajin, who carried out a knife attack in Jiangsu Province—were sentenced to death, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to justice and public safety.
Cracking Down on Financial Crimes
To safeguard financial security, China intensified efforts against financial crimes. Courts nationwide concluded 2.66 million financial cases, a 12.3% decrease year on year. Notably, cases involving illegal fundraising and money laundering increased by 5.3%, reflecting a proactive approach to emerging financial threats.
Protecting Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Chinese courts have acted to protect the rights of businesses and entrepreneurs by overseeing illicit cross-region and profit-driven law enforcement. By preventing the misuse of criminal measures in economic disputes, the judiciary is fostering a law-based business environment that equally protects state-owned and private businesses.
Stepping Up Anti-Corruption Efforts
The SPC reported that courts concluded 30,000 cases of duty-related crimes, such as bribery and embezzlement, a 22.3% increase from the previous year. High-profile cases, including that of Li Tie, a former head coach of the national men’s football team sentenced to 20 years, highlight the intensified crackdown on corruption.
Equal Protection for Foreign Parties
China continues to strengthen the protection of foreign parties’ rights, solidifying its position as a top destination for global investment. Courts have concluded numerous significant cases involving foreign investment, applying the Foreign Investment Law to ensure fair treatment.
First Decline in Credit Defaulters
The number of credit defaulters decreased for the first time in a decade, with 2.46 million defaulters added to the blacklist—a 23.4% decrease year on year. Over 2.82 million defaulters were reinstated through a credit repair system, reflecting improved public awareness of the rule of law and enhanced judicial enforcement.
Enhancing Intellectual Property Rights
To support key technologies and industries, China has bolstered judicial protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs). The SPC effectively handled disputes related to emerging fields like artificial intelligence, concluding 494,000 IPR-related cases, a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
These developments underscore China’s dedication to advancing justice, fostering a fair business environment, and promoting innovation for sustained growth.
