The leaders of the Communist Party of China opened a key gathering of the ruling party Monday that is billed to set milestones in political reforms by advancing the "rule of law."

The four-day meeting, called the Fourth Plenum, marks the first time the CPC will tackle an issue that intends to speed up government modernization. It is also seen as a harbinger of legal reforms and improvements in the country's justice system, Xinhua reported.

Like Us on Facebook

Anti-corruption and the growing Chinese economy will also figure prominently in the talks that gather two hundred high-level members of the CPC's Central Committee, members of its reserve committee and the internal watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Party officials announced in July that this year's plenary session will center on promoting the rule of law in the government as it is applied within the Chinese socialism context.

As such, it is not wholly reflective of the Western notion that makes government and entities, both public and private, accountable to the law on the same level.

Instead, it underscores the rule of law as a tool for advancing legal reforms, which in this year's plenary session is aimed at enhancing social order and reducing the grip of local government officials to power.

Coming about two years after President Xi Jinping came to power, the Plenum is seen as an opportunity to highlight his good governance and strong-party campaign, LA Times reported.

In 2012, President Xi launched his vision of a moderately prosperous Chinese society in 2020 that sees the rule of law as a basic strategy for three key areas: government, judicial system, and human rights.

The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee reiterated that same vision last month, saying that the rule of law is critical to building the Chinese society and the government. According to Xinhua, enforcement of law may also help institutionalize Xi's anti-corruption campaign along with measures to deepen reforms and stabilize the Chinese economy.

Never before in the history of China has the notion of rule of law carried so much weight, Xinhua observed.

TagsLaw Crime, politics, Politics of the People's Republic of China, Government of the People's Republic of China