New judicial requirements and key work for the new year mentioned at the Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) were outlined at the Supreme People's Court (SPC) by SPC President Zhou Qiang on Dec 21.

Courts at various levels must provide judicial service and guarantees for continuous and healthy economic growth and to create a stable society, Zhou urged.

He said courts must concentrate on dealing with zombie companies undersupply side structural reform, which includes hearing bankruptcy cases and handling cases related to companies and contracts in accordance with law to promote a fair, open and transparent market and a business climate supporting the rule of law.

Zhou stressed the requirements of fighting against corruption to protect the safety of poverty alleviation funds and improving punishment levels for crimes related to environmental pollution to support the goal of building a beautiful China -- which was put forward at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012.

In addition, he mentioned that courts should try financial cases in accordance with law to prevent and resolve financial risks, and should hear cases related to advanced manufacturing and emerging industries to push forward that sector's integration with the modern service industry.

According to Zhou, protecting intellectual property through a legal approach is a key to supporting medium and small-sized enterprises and improving the innovation environment.

Courts must make efforts to meet the judicial demands generated from supply side structural reform in agriculture and land reform to contribute to rural revitalization and protect farmers’ rights and interests.

Meanwhile, judicial support must be offered to strategies such as the China's Western Development Program, the Northeast China Revitalization policy and the Rise of Central China Plan and the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta.

The international commercial courts launched by the SPC play a role in supporting the construction of free trade zones and trade and communication under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Cases related to livelihood and fight against gang-related crimes were also mentioned as important in protecting people's rights and courts are required to work in both areas to help the people gain a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security, according to the CEWC.

The CEWC is an important annual event held every December that includes top central government leaders and other leaders and experts who set economic policy for the coming year.