On May 31, a work symposium among courts nationwide on criminal cases endangering public security was held in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), and Gao Jinghong, vice-president of the SPC, attended the meeting.

Zhang acknowledged the people's courts' work in severely punishing crimes endangering public security since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has safeguarded the safety of both people's lives and property, and contributed to maintaining national security and social stability.

He called for the full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and a holistic approach to national security; better coordination of development and security; and improvements to the trial capability for crimes that endanger public security, with a focus on fairness and efficiency, in order to safeguard the new development pattern with a new security architecture. Focus should be given to proactive prevention through timely judicial suggestions and litigation-source governance, he added.

Gao said that adjudicating criminal cases that endanger public security in accordance with the law, and advancing the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level, are important responsibilities shouldered by the people's courts. He stressed that all courts should identify priorities, better coordinate development and security, and strive to serve high-quality development with high-quality judiciary. They should adhere to the general principle of strict punishment in accordance with the law, focus on crimes in key areas, correctly apply the law to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, appropriately handle major cases, and extend trial functions to promote comprehensive governance on public security, according to Gao. Efforts are also needed to ensure the safety of the people's courts themselves, in order to make their due contributions to the development of the country and national rejuvenation, he said.