Chinese lawmakers are closely examining the Supreme People's Court (SPC)'s latest work report, highlighting significant strides in reducing severe violent crimes over the past year.
Delivered by SPC President Zhang Jun during the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, the report reveals that in 2024, Chinese courts concluded 49,000 violent cases, marking a 5.8% decrease from the previous year and a 28.7% drop compared to a decade ago.
Notable cases included the sentencing of mass murderers like Fan Weiqiu and Xu Jiajin to death, sending a strong message against heinous crimes and ensuring public safety.
On the financial front, efforts to combat financial crimes intensified, with courts handling 2.66 million financial cases—a 12.3% decrease year-on-year. However, cases related to illegal fundraising and money laundering saw a slight increase of 5.3%.
The judiciary also focused on protecting the rights of businesses and entrepreneurs by curbing illicit and profit-driven law enforcement, aiming to foster a law-based business environment. This included retrials and corrections in property rights cases, resulting in several acquittals.
Corruption cases saw a significant rise, with courts concluding 30,000 duty-related crimes, a 22.3% increase from the previous year. High-profile cases, such as that of Li Tie, former head coach of the national men's football team, underscore the judiciary's commitment to addressing corruption.
Internationally, more foreign individuals are turning to Chinese courts, reflecting enhanced protections under the Foreign Investment Law. With over 417,000 civil and commercial cases involving foreign elements since 2013, China continues to be a hub for global investment.
Encouragingly, the number of credit defaulters on China's blacklist declined for the first time in a decade, dropping by 23.4% in 2024. This improvement is attributed to increased public awareness and stronger law enforcement.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) also saw robust protection, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and high-end manufacturing. Chinese courts handled nearly 494,000 IPR cases in 2024, ensuring the protection of innovations and supporting key industries.
Overall, the SPC's report showcases China's ongoing commitment to enhancing its judicial system, safeguarding public and economic interests, and fostering a secure environment for both domestic and international stakeholders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
