Stricter rules for law enforcers

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, have jointly issued a document aimed at enforcing standardized rules for police. This will be done by improving the country's law enforcement mechanism, strengthening the monitoring and management system, and maximizing the use of internet and communication technology.

As the police force is a core component of the administrative law enforcement mechanism, the standards and rules it complies with determine the extent to which a country follows the rule of law.

China has made much progress in promoting standardized law enforcement in recent years. But malpractices, such as selective and forcible law enforcement, and even abuse of power, from time to time underscore the need to ensure that police follow the law. The document is a step in that direction.