Officials must abide by law

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers his New Year speech via state broadcasters in Beijing, Dec. 31, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Given that a country's prosperity, progress and its social harmony and stability are inseparable from a sound legal system, the Communist Party of China has made it a historical political responsibility for it to establish the rule of law for the country, says a People's Daily editorial.

At a recent seminar for provincial and ministerial-level officials, top leader Xi Jinping emphasized that the country's leading officials have a key role to play in the realization of the rule of law.

As part of a series of strategic layouts mapped out since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in late 2012, the rule of law serves as an important guarantee for China to build a well-off society in an all-round way. Without the rule of law, the country will not operate in an orderly manner and social harmony and stability would not be possible.

The value of any good policy lies in its implementation. The realization of rule of law in China will not be achieved with just words or a document. It requires practical and substantial actions. The general blueprint and road map laid down by the Fourth Plenum of the CPC's 18th Central Committee in October outlined concrete steps toward the rule of law, signaling that efforts toward that target were on a fast track. The 190 measures the milestone session listed for steady advancement toward the rule of law demand sincere implementation led by legislative, administrative and judicial officials.

Exemplary guidance from leading officials at various levels will decide the direction, path and speed of China's advancement toward the rule of law. All officials should set a good example for the public by abiding by the law.