China advises ‘softer approach’ to law enforcement to ease jitters in private sector

An editorial has advocated for a more considerate approach to law enforcement after several controversial actions, part of China’s attempts to win private sector confidence

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China has been advised to adopt a “softer” approach in its law enforcement as it attempts to win back favour among the private sector. Photo: Simon Song

Published: 3:30pm, 27 Jun 2024

An editorial in the Study Times – the newspaper of China’s chief ideological training institution – has called for a “softer approach” to law enforcement, joining other government bodies in demanding a pullback from the heavy-handed treatment of some firms which has generated panic in the private sector.

The commentary from the Central Party School, which urged the creation of a “fair, just, stable and predictable” environment for law enforcement, was published soon after an incident that had many enterprises worried about police raids over long-dormant tax bills – and shortly before a major economic conclave scheduled for next month.

The much-anticipated third plenum of the Communist Party’s Central Committee – a gathering which has typically laid out the country’s economic strategy for the next five to 10 years and set to begin July 15 – is expected to provide a plan that makes good on China’s frequent pledges to improve business sentiment.

“Constructive interaction between an environment with the rule of law and private companies is a requirement for developing the economy,” the piece read, pointing out complaints from some private enterprises over issues like “too frequent” inspections by local law enforcement and “inappropriate” administrative fines.

The editorial followed a report on Tuesday from the National Development and Reform Commission – China’s top economic planner – delivered to the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, the leading body of the country’s top legislature which works outside full sessions.

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The commission stressed the need to support the country’s private sector, and made specific mention of an end to “selective” law enforcement methods.