Petitioning progresses toward its end

New stipulations aim to raise awareness of the rule of law and increase the supervision over lower levels of government

Petitioning, also known as "letters and calls", is China's special way of political expression. It refers to citizens, legal entities or other organizations advancing suggestions, opinions and complaints to governments at all levels through letters, e-mails, faxes, telephone calls and visits; with the relevant administrative department addressing the issues raised in the petitions according to the country's laws and regulations.

It is undeniable that petitions have played a role in political participation, administrative monitoring, soliciting public opinion and solving disputes, but it is also undeniable that the petitioning process is not without problems, such as local authorities thwarting petitioners' complaints being heard or people bypassing authorities to file complaints at higher levels or relying on petitions instead of trusting the courts.