A report was released on Sunday on China's development of the rule of law in foreign-related matters, with an accompanying symposium attended by government officials, experts, and scholars in the field.

Participants pose for a photo at the launching event of the Report on China's Development of Foreign-Related Rule of Law held in Beijing on May 28, 2023. [Photo by Cui Can/China.org.cn]

The report was compiled by more than 10 experts and scholars from the School of Law at the University of International Business and Economics. It highlighted China's progress in the rule of law concerning foreign-related areas, including the Belt and Road Initiative, data governance, internationalized business environment, foreign investment, and foreign trade.

The report also presented China's advancements in global governance, legislation, law enforcement, and provision of legal services in foreign-related affairs.

According to the report, the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) achieved unprecedented results on crucial issues in 2022, such as the WTO response to emergencies, food security, and fishery subsidies. These outcomes demonstrate the ability of the WTO members to overcome geopolitical differences and unite to address global challenges, thereby restoring faith in the multilateral trading system.

The report also emphasized China's proactive role in developing a network of regional trade agreements to expand regional cooperation, including the world's largest trade deal, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which took effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

China has issued a guideline to promote the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, making clear that local authorities should strictly implement the laws and regulations related to the binding obligations stipulated in the agreement, according to the report.

Moreover, the report underscored China's continuous commitment to strengthening the legal framework to foster an internationalized business environment.

It highlighted the cancellation of registration requirements for foreign trade businesses from Dec. 30, 2022. The move was a significant institutional innovation for the government to facilitate trade liberalization, and it would help promote high-quality trade development and high-level opening up.

As China opens its door wider to the world, legal services dealing with foreign-related matters are witnessing a growing market worldwide. Chinese law firms had established 180 overseas branches in 35 countries and regions by the end of 2022. These branches have played an active role in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and safeguarding China's overseas interests, the report said.

The China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission has also enjoyed growing influence worldwide since 2022, according to the report. The commission handled a record number of foreign-related cases, including 83 cases involving both the plaintiffs and defendants from overseas, up 36% from the previous year. These cases involved 83 countries and regions, including 32 countries along the Belt and Road and all 10 ASEAN countries.

Participants in the symposium agreed that foreign-related laws and regulations have played a significant role in defending China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as in fostering a favorable business environment and a more open economy.

They also stressed the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen foreign-related legislation and advance the rule of law in both domestic and international affairs.

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