China’s top justice and president of the Supreme People’s Court Zhou Qiang met his German counterpart, Bettina Limperg, president of the Federal Court of Justice of Germany, in Beijing on March 21.

Zhou Qiang (third from right, front row), president of China’s Supreme People’s Court, and Bettina Limperg (fourth from right), president of the Federal Court of Justice of Germany meet in Beijing on March 21. [Photo/Sun Ruofeng]

Zhou said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has developed rapidly and cooperation between their judicial bodies has deepened over recent years.

He spoke highly of judicial exchanges, saying that they have played a positive role in promoting rule of law in both countries and have added to their friendly relations.

He outlined for his German counterpart results of the fourth session of the 12th National People's Congress, which concluded on March 16 with approval of various reports and resolutions, among them the Government Work Report and the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

The top court will take suggestions from NPC deputies and CPPCC members into consideration when improving courts’ work, Zhou said.

Chinese courts hold fast to due judicial process, protect Chinese and foreign litigants’ legitimate rights and interests, and attach great importance to international exchange and cooperation. They are committed to advancing the principle of law-based governance, the SPC president said.

He hoped that courts in the two countries will enhance communication and cooperation on intellectual property rights litigation and foreign-related commercial and maritime affairs, as well as on Internet-related problems.

Bettina Limperg described the federal court in Germany and said it will work to improve mutual understanding and exchange between the judicial communities and boost the friendly relations between China and Germany.

Tao Kaiyuan, vice president of the SPC, accompanied the German delegation on a visit to the China Court Museum after the meeting.