On the morning of October 28, 2022, the third plenary session of the 37th Session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee was held to hear the Report of the Supreme People's Court on Foreign-related Trial Work of People's Courts made by Zhou Qiang, President of the Supreme People's Court (the SPC).

The picture depicts Zhou Qiang delivering the "Report of the Supreme People's Court on the People's Courts' Foreign-related Trial Work" at the third plenary session of the 37th Session of the 13th NPC Standing Committee.

Zhou Qiang said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee under President Xi Jinping's leadership has attached great importance to the foreign-related rule of law and clearly proposed the coordinated development of the domestic and foreign-related rule of law. These moves have contributed to historic achievements and a new chapter of building foreign-related rule of law in the new era and laid a solid legal foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Zhou Qiang pointed out that foreign-related trial work is an important part of foreign-related rule of law and plays a significant role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, building a new system for a higher-level open economy, and promoting a new form of international relations. At present, foreign-related trial work presents new characteristics. The number of cases is rising sharply with new types increasing; trial work is getting more and more difficult; cases have a growing influence.

Zhou Qiang reported on the foreign-related trial work and achievements since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the supervision of the NPC and its Standing Committee, the people's courts have adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, acquired a deep understanding of "Two Establishes", strengthened "Four Consciousness Concept", insisted "Four Confidence Idea" and ensured "Two Safeguards". The people's courts have handled foreign-related cases fairly and efficiently in accordance with the law, further promoted the reform of mechanisms for foreign-related trials, and strengthened the construction of professional teams to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of foreign-related trial work. The people's courts have thoroughly implemented a holistic approach to national security to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The efforts of the people's courts have contributed to a better international, legal and market-oriented business environment which bolsters opening up at a higher level. The people's courts have given full play to its maritime judicial functions to better serve China's strategy to become a maritime power. The international commercial dispute resolution mechanism has been continuously improved to support the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road" initiative. The people's courts have effectively protected the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots, and supported the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the development of our country and the integrated development of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Further efforts have been made to implement the strategy of high-quality foreign-related trials, and accelerate the modernization of foreign-related trial system and trial capability. The people's courts have implemented and promoted the requirements for the domestic and foreign-related rule of law, and actively participated in the construction of foreign-related legal norms. Efforts have been made to serve and promote the building of a human community with a shared future by deepening international judicial exchanges and cooperation.

Zhou Qiang said that with General Secretary Xi Jinping at the core of the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, foreign-related trial work has made remarkable achievements. The foreign-related trial work has accumulated valuable experience: First, uphold the absolute leadership of the Party. Second, stick to "matters of national significance". Third, stay committed to a people-centered approach. Fourth, ensure both development and security. Fifth, adhere to reform and innovation.

Zhou Qiang said that the 20th National Congress of the CPC drew a grand blueprint to fully build a modern socialist country and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. The people's courts will fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, conscientiously implement the decisions and deployment of the CPC Central Committee on promoting the domestic and the foreign-related rule of law and strive for the high-quality development of foreign-related trial work. First, adhere to the Party's leadership and ensure the correct political direction of foreign-related trial work. Second, uphold a problem-oriented approach to improve the system of the application of foreign-related laws. Third, insist on reform and innovation to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of foreign-related trials. Fourth, adhere to a goal-oriented approach and improve the international commercial dispute resolution mechanism. Fifth, carry out the plan for strengthening basic academic disciplines to enhance the construction of high-quality and professional teams for foreign-related trials. Sixth, adhere to win-win cooperation by taking international judicial exchanges and cooperation to a new level.

Zhou Qiang said that the NPC Standing Committee's hearing and deliberation of the report on foreign-related trial work fully reflect the great importance it attaches to foreign-related trials, which greatly inspires the courts and court personnel across China. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and the strong supervision of the NPC and its Standing Committee, the people's courts will further study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, implement the decisions and resolutions of the NPC and its Standing Committee, and earnestly implement opinions after deliberation of this meeting, further improve foreign-related trial work to provide quality judicial services for realizing the goal of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects through a path with Chinese characteristics to modernization.

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*The original text is Chinese and has been translated into English for reference only. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the Chinese version and the English version, the Chinese version shall prevail.