High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan: Achievements in Shanxi’s Judicial Administration Reform

Rule of law is a vital pillar of China’s modernization with Chinese characteristics. On November 20, Shanxi Provincial JusticeDepartmentheld the sixth press conference in the “High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan” series, showcasing significant progress in judicial administration reform and development.

What tangible benefits has the rule of law brought to people’s lives?

Since the 14th Five-Year Plan began, Shanxi has reviewed 61 provincial regulations and issued 27 government rules. 

For instance, the Regulations on Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development of the Yellow River Basin have legally secured better water flow, quality, and environmental beauty. Another example is the Interim Measures for Food Safety Supervision of Online Catering Services, which protect public health in an era of booming food delivery.

Over 500 “Rule of Law for the People” projects have been advanced at provincial and municipal levels.

Shanxi has run free legal consultation and aid programs for vulnerable groups for seven years, creating a public legal service “half-hour circle.” Additionally, 7,048 “Rule of Law Deputy Principals” have been appointed in schools, strengthening protections for minors.

Legal talent cultivation is ongoing, with over 13,700 people obtaining legal qualifications and new research and training bases set up. Unfair regulations targeting enterprises have been removed, fostering a fair and stable business environment. More than 120,000 “Legal Literates” serve as community legal advisors and mediators.

Shanxi has launched 211 focus projects led by county party secretaries and heads to advance the rule of law, break through governance bottlenecks, and promote healthy development of local industries.

Worried about repeated inspections when starting a small factory? What’s changed?

In the first three quarters of this year, administrative inspections on enterprises dropped by 102,000 year-on-year, while the rate of inspections identifying real issues rose by 5.16%, achieving a balance between “no unnecessary disturbance” and “precise regulation.”

Shanxi introduced the Regulations on Promoting Private Economy Development and Anti-Unfair Competition Regulations, alongside targeted removal of unfair rules.

Shanxi practices “one-stop” joint inspections combining multiple departments into a single visit.

Before inspections, enforcement units must scan QR codes to ensure full traceability.

Over 2,200 pressing issues raised by businesses and citizens have been resolved.

Is administrative reconsideration convenient and effective?

With zero fees and low barriers, the system offers three key advantages:

Who to complain to: Agencies cut from 1,640 to 141, making it easier for citizens to find the right channel.

How to complain: 500+ service points near communities and an online WeChat app allow hassle-free filing. Legal aid supports the needy.

Is it effective: Open hearings let parties fully participate. Since the 2024 law revision, over 2,400 cases were mediated and nearly 19,000 resolved without lawsuits, fostering harmony.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan, 5,936 unlawful or improper actions were corrected; 976 official opinions targeted systemic issues.

Is legal help accessible?

Shanxi boasts over 25,000legal service centers forming a “half-hour service circle.” The 24/7 “12348” hotline answered over one million calls with 98% satisfaction.

Free legal aid programs have offered 3 million+ consultations and handled over 61,000 cases for vulnerable groups.

Enterprises enjoy “one-stop” services through partnerships between law firms and over 370 chambers of commerce, plus a foreign-lawyer database and an international arbitration court.

Are mediators like Datong’s “Sister Li” common now?

Yes. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, Shanxi has revitalized grassroots mediation following the “Fengqiao Model” resolving over 600,000 disputes.

There are 24,000 mediation organizations with 88,000 mediators, including 29,000 women like Sister Li.

Specialized mediation bodies cover healthcare, traffic, IP, internet, and more. All 11 city lawyer associations have mediation centers; 117 counties run 504 lawyer mediation offices.

Over 480 well-regarded “Sister Li Mediation Rooms” operate province-wide.