The Central Political and Legal Affairs Committee held a study session recently on Xi Jinping Thought on Rule of Law. Chen Yixin, Secretary-General, or rather the man with the emperor’s sword, i.e., the fellow who has been leading the political-legal rectification campaign, delivered a speech. The speech was made public on Friday. Here’s what he said.
In the first part of the speech, he focuses on the significance of Xi Thought on Rule of Law. He said that:
Xi Jinping’s thought on the rule of law “has opened up a new realm of Marxist theory of rule of law” and is a “leading” and “original” theoretical force. He said that Xi Thought is systematic, in track with the times, and keeps people in mind, i.e., their need for a better life and new requirements.
Xi’s Thought, he argues, furthers the development of socialist rule of law. “After a hundred years of exploration, our party has continuously deepened and improved its understanding of the construction of the socialist rule of law, and has embarked on a path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics…(Xi) has formed a series of new ideas, new ideas and strategies in theory, and made a series of major decisions and deployments in practice. The construction of a socialist country under the rule of law has taken place. Historical changes and historic achievements have been made.”
“Xi Jinping’s thought on the rule of law has endowed the Chinese rule of law civilization with new connotations...” In other words, Xi’s Thought on rule of law “promotes the creative transformation and innovative development of the Chinese rule of law civilization.”
“Xi Jinping’s thought on the rule of law has contributed new wisdom in maintaining the international rule of law...” The concepts he highlighted here were the idea of a shared community of common destiny, “fairness and justice in the international rule of law,” making “international rule of law order to be more open and inclusive,” and “a more secure and stable international rule of law.” All of this sounds great. But it’s important to look beyond the really great sounding language. For instance, more open and inclusive does not mean a more just system. It means greater value contestation, undermining earlier agreements on issues like human rights. When Chen says stable and secure, we must ask for whom and for what?
You can read the full breakdown of Chen's speech on my People's Daily Tracker blog.