1. Rule of Law in China 2016–2017: Review and Outlook

In 2016, China continued to make steady progress in promoting the rule of law construction. In the aspect of legislation, laws and regulations were formulated, revised or interpreted in an orderly manner, laying the institutional foundation for national unification, economic development, social stability and comprehensively deepening reforms. In the aspect of a law-based government, China proceeded with such reform measures as streamlining administration and delegating powers, reforming administrative approval system, and promoting the Internet Plus government services model. In the judicial field, judicial reform measures were gradually implemented, and breakthroughs were made in the construction of court informatization and basically addressing difficulties in law enforcement. With respect to rule of law in a clean government, a series of anti-corruption campaigns were launched, and the implementation of comprehensively strengthening Party discipline substantially influenced anti-corruption efforts and made due contributions to the construction of the international anti-corruption mechanism. With respect to rule of law in civil, commercial and economic laws, the legal systems were gradually improved and the intellectual property strategy was carried forward. With respect to rule of law in social affairs, reforms in social security, labor relations, environmental protection and other fields were further promoted, and the disadvantaged groups were better protected.