Chair,

First of all, on behalf of Ms. He Rong, Minister of Justice of China, and the Chinese delegation, I would like to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. I am confident that, under your outstanding leadership and through the joint efforts of all delegations, this session will be a complete success. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Secretariat for its efforts in preparing for this session.

Chair,

At present, the international situation is complex and ever-changing. Member States and the international community at large look forward to revitalizing the UN, advocating for genuine multilateralism, and jointly addressing global challenges. The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping are highly aligned with the purposes and objectives of the UN and have been met with a positive response from the international community. China stands ready to work with the international community, through the platform of the CCPCJ, to advance the implementation of these concepts and initiatives, and to contribute Chinese solutions to preventing and combating crime and promoting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the development of the rule of law, as well as to crime prevention and criminal justice. Over the past year, we have fully implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, we have made every effort to advance the Chinese modernization within the framework of the rule of law, focused on building a “Peaceful China” and a “Law-Based China” at a higher level, and effectively safeguarded national security and the interests of the people.

First, we have improved legislation in criminal matters. We have comprehensively strengthened legislation in key areas, emerging fields, and foreign-related sectors, using sound legislation to drive reform, promote development, and ensure good governance. We have compiled the Ecological and Environmental Code, amended the Law on Public Security Administration Punishments and the Cybersecurity Law, enacted the Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals, and revised the Prison Law. As a result, the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics has become more scientific, comprehensive, unified, and authoritative.

Second, we have strengthened criminal law enforcement. We have implemented the holistic approach to national security and, in accordance with the law, have intensified efforts to combat prominent criminal activities such as organized crime, firearms- and explosives-related crimes, online gambling and telecommunications fraud, illegal fundraising, money laundering, drug-related crimes, and crimes involving minors. We have also improved the system for international law enforcement and security cooperation to prevent and combat all forms of transnational crime, thereby further consolidating social stability nationwide.

Third, we have deepened criminal justice work. We have fully and accurately implemented the criminal policy of balancing leniency and severity, carried out regularized efforts to combat organized crime and criminal gangs, and punished traditional crimes such as homicide, drug-related crimes, and corruption, as well as emerging crimes such as cybercrime, in accordance with the law. We have strengthened judicial protection of human rights, reinforced procuratorial oversight, and ensured high-level security through high-quality justice.

Fourth, we have advanced the enforcement of criminal penalties and public legal services. We have standardized prison administration and community corrections in accordance with the law, improved the quality of education and rehabilitation, and reduced recidivism. We have intensified efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of legal services, including lawyers’ services, notarization, arbitration, legal aid, forensic appraisal, and mediation, and have basically established a public legal services system that covers both urban and rural areas and is convenient, efficient, equitable, and universally accessible.

Fifth, we have actively engaged in international cooperation in criminal matters. We have strengthened cooperation with international organizations such as UNODC, concluded treaties with relevant countries on extradition, mutual legal assistance, and the transfer of sentenced persons, and conducted practical cooperation based on treaties, conventions, and the principle of reciprocity in order to effectively prevent and combat crime.

Chair,

The current global crime situation remains severe. The international community should further strengthen cooperation and jointly address this challenge on the basis of mutual respect for national sovereignty. In this regard, the CCPCJ and UNODC have played a positive role. China commends their efforts and will continue to support them as always. China calls on all countries to work together within the CCPCJ platform to address various crime-related issues. Hereby, China proposes the following:

First, we should further build consensus and strengthen our responsibility and commitment to preventing and combating transnational crime. We must resolutely uphold multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, improve relevant laws, regulations, and policies, promote the exchange and sharing of experiences, and strengthen capacity-building.

Second, we should enhance practical cooperation and weave a tight and robust international network to combat transnational crime and corruption. We will actively implement the UNCAC and the UNTOC, promote the early entry into force and effective implementation of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, strengthen multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the fields of crime prevention and criminal justice, and jointly combat all forms of transnational crime.

Third, we will strengthen global coordination to effectively address various emerging crimes. We will accurately grasp the development trends and latest developments in global crime, strengthen research on and responses to various emerging crimes, fully respect the sovereign equality of all countries, take into account the specific circumstances of each country and the principle of universal applicability, and, in areas such as capacity building and technical assistance, take the needs of developing countries into account as much as possible, providing a balanced and effective legal framework for judicial and law enforcement cooperation among all countries.

Chair,

At present, the great changes unseen in a century is accelerating, and the world has reached a new crossroads. Faced with an international environment marked by both change and turmoil, China will uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, resolutely uphold the international system with the UN at its core, steadfastly defend multilateralism, and actively expand and deepen cooperation with UNODC, all countries, and relevant international organizations in the fields of crime prevention and criminal justice. We will empower global governance with China’s good governance and make greater contributions to the development of the rule of law worldwide!

Thank you!