Beijing seminar studies legal systems of Francophone countries

A research seminar on the legal systems of French-speaking countries and advancing the development of foreign-related legal frameworks was recently held in Beijing.

The event, organized by the China University of Political Science and Law, sought to establish a high-level academic exchange platform for experts from home and abroad and promote the cultivation of talent skilled in foreign-related legal matters involving French-speaking regions. It was also held to contribute legal expertise to support China's high-level opening-up and to improve the global governance system.

Jiang Zeting, Party chief of the university, emphasized the importance of legal talent education, saying that the seminar was to implement the requirement forwarded by the central leadership in taking a coordinated approach to promoting the rule of law at home and in matters involving foreign parties.

While pledging to accelerate the development of a national political and legal education center for the new era, he added that the school would also increase research on foreign-related legal matters, thereby deepening legal cooperation and cultural exchange between China and French-speaking countries.

"The role of the rule of law as a bridge is becoming increasingly prominent nowadays, and deepening the comparative study of the legal systems of French-speaking countries is a pressing issue of our time," Mo Jihong, vice-chairman of the China Law Society, said during the seminar.

He said study is crucial for ensuring the high-quality development of the Belt and Road initiative and for advancing the construction of a China-Africa community with a shared nature.

Jin Banggui, professor and director of the Eurasian Research Institute at Aix-Marseille University in France, underscored the contribution of French laws to the global economic system and legal dialogue via video link. He also shared the outcomes of collaborative efforts in training legal professionals between China and France, including the training program for Chinese judges and prosecutors in France from 2014 to 2019, and the Master's program in Chinese Business Law in France.

He added that the cultivation of legal talent requires an open mindset, continuous investment and deep collaboration.

In addition, a number of experts from judiciary departments, international organization, colleges and enterprises also exchanged ideas on legal talent cultivation during the seminar.