Zhang Jun (C), chief justice and president of the Supreme People's Court, holds discussions with a judiciary delegation from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the National Judges College in Beijing on Oct 30, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Courts in the Chinese mainland will strengthen judicial exchange and cooperation with judges and judicial personnel in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) so as to contribute joint efforts to advancing the rule of law under the "one country, two systems" policy. 

Zhang Jun, chief justice and president of the Supreme People's Court, made the remarks during a symposium with a judiciary delegation from HKSAR at the National Judges College in Beijing on Oct 30.

Zhang pointed out that the socialist judicial system with Chinese characteristics is a "great initiative" of the Communist Party of China to explore a socialist democratic political system in line with national conditions, an "important achievement" in the sinicization of Marxist legal theory, and result of the joint development of the country's national political system, historical inheritance, and cultural traditions. 

Focusing on the theme "the superiority of the socialist judicial system with Chinese characteristics", he briefed the HKSAR delegation on the establishment and development of China's legal system, as well as the progress of judicial reform over the past 40-plus years. 

He highlighted the efforts and achievements made by mainland courts in adhering to a people-oriented approach and practicing the "fairness and efficiency" principle. 

Based on examples, cases and data from China and foreign countries, Zhang underlined that the Party's leadership is an essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics. 

Zhang also emphasized the importance of understanding one's own cultural ideals and values before learning about the outside world's judicial systems and further developing and improving one's own systems with confidence and resolve. 

He stressed that the vibrant vitality of the socialist judicial system with Chinese characteristics lies in its scientific quality of keeping up with the times and being dedicated to reform and innovation, as well as its ability to achieve self-improvement and development.