Top court moves to improve business environment by clarifying rule of law

The Supreme People's Court issued two judicial guidelines on Thursday to streamline procedures for lawsuits and bankruptcies.

The guidelines are meant to foster a favorable business environment and serve the country's high-quality development through the rule of law, according to the top court.

Under the new guidelines, the hearing of a civil or commercial lawsuit must be completed within six months. A trial can be postponed twice, at most, under special circumstances - for example, an unavoidable delay.