On Feb 25, the Supreme People's Court (SPC) convened a meeting to study the key messages from the recent symposium on private enterprises and discuss concrete measures for implementation. 

Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, chaired the meeting, which highlighted the significant role of the private economy in national economic and social development while acknowledging the opportunities and challenges it faces. The meeting also outlined tasks for the judiciary to promote healthy and high-quality development of the private sector. 

An overarching principle in judicial support for the private economy is the full and accurate implementation of national policies and regulations, the meeting stated. Over the years, government policies have continuously evolved to strengthen private enterprises, and the judiciary must reinforce this progress by refining legal protections, enhancing the business environment, and promoting fair competition.

Efforts should focus on refining legal mechanisms to address challenges in private sector development. This includes strengthening the enforcement of anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition laws, as well as ensuring equal access to production resources and equal participation in market competition. 

Courts should work to expand financing channels for private enterprises, crack down on predatory lending practices, and combat fraudulent financial activities in accordance with the law. Further measures should be taken to address payment arrears to private firms and to enhance legal oversight of cross-regional law enforcement to safeguard the rights of private enterprises.

The meeting also stressed the need for fair and lawful handling of cases involving private enterprises, and a resolute crackdown on crimes such as extortion, forced transactions and disruptions to business operations. Efforts should also be intensified to protect corporate reputations, the rights of business owners and intellectual property. Courts are urged to ensure fair resolution of contract disputes and support struggling enterprises through bankruptcy restructuring where appropriate. 

Judicial enforcement practices must be refined to minimize disruption to normal business operations, while anti-corruption efforts will be strengthened to foster a transparent and fair business environment, according to the meeting.

Deng Xiuming, vice-president of the SPC, along with other senior officials and representatives from relevant departments, attended the meeting.