CPC considering regulating gov't power

The Communist Party of China's (CPC) ongoing landmark meeting on "rule of law" may be considering regulating the government's use of power, a senior Chinese academic said Monday.

"The term 'rule of law' is not new in China, but it is clear that there are still problems in regard of legislation, law enforcement, judiciary and other aspects," said Xie Chuntao, professor and director of the Party history office of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

Xie made the remarks at a press salon with Chinese and foreign journalists.

The fourth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee -- slated to run from Monday to Wednesday -- has taken "rule of law" as its central theme for the first time in the Party's history.

The meeting will deliberate on a draft decision of the CPC Central Committee on "major issues concerning comprehensively advancing rule of law," according to sources close to the meeting.

Xie noted that the "rule of law" requires the CPC to govern the country in accordance with law, the government to abide by law while exercising its administrative power, the judicial organs to enforce the law in a fair and just manner and all members of the public to observe the law.

"In previous times, some officials stressed the rule of law mainly to warn the public not to violate the law. However, the ongoing meeting will definitely adopt the wider interpretation, which covers a broader spectrum," he said.

"It is time to reiterate the concept, regulate officials' power and tell them to toe the line as well," he explained.

Xie also stressed the significance of the "rule of Constitution."

"I have noticed that some people have criticized China for lacking an accountability system for violations of the Constitution, and I think their arguments have some reasonable points," he said.

"The Constitution should not be merely an agreement of minds, it must also be faithfully implemented."