Discussions at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, scheduled from Monday to Thursday in Beijing, will focus on how to strengthen the rule of law in the country. That the rule of law will top the agenda of a CPC Central Committee plenary session for the first time reflects the importance the country's new leadership attaches to the subject.

There is close link among China's efforts to promote political institutional reform, rule of law and judicial reform, because the rule of law is an important aspect of political institutional reform while judicial reform plays a crucial role in promoting the rule of law. China has embarked on a long road to judicial reform, and it has experienced success and setbacks both on the way.

At a recent gathering to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the National People's Congress, top leader Xi Jinping emphasized that the country should first promote constitutional governance to strengthen the rule of law. Xi's remark opens the path to the establishment of the rule of law, given that the country's governance is based on the Constitution.