Chinese courts vow crackdown on economic crimes, emphasize market order

Chinese courts pledged to intensify efforts to uphold market order through the rule of law, targeting activities that disrupt the socialist economy, as cases of economic crimes surged.

The Supreme People's Court reported a sharp rise in economic crimes in 2024, with bid-rigging cases jumping 56.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other crimes also saw significant year-on-year increases, including copyright infringement (47.5 percent), loan fraud (33.9 percent), counterfeit trademarks (26.3 percent), illegal business operations (23.9 percent), production and sale of fake goods (18.8 percent), and contract fraud (18.1 percent).

"The trends in these cases demand our utmost attention," Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court, said during a national conference of chief judges on Monday. "While we must address the tangible financial damages caused by these illegal activities, it is even more critical to focus on their social harm and impact on market order."

Zhang urged harsher punishments for those defrauding vulnerable populations, including the elderly and farmers, and stronger action against the production and sale of harmful food and drugs. He also called for selecting cases involving smaller financial amounts but severe social harm as public warnings to deter repeat offenses.

"It is essential to use legal measures to mitigate and prevent major financial risks," Zhang said. He encouraged judges to study emerging issues in the market economy and offer judicial support to address new challenges.

"For issues where consensus has been reached, courts should promptly explain them through judicial interpretations or guidance," he said. "In cases lacking consensus but requiring legal intervention, influential and typical cases can serve to maintain industry order."

Zhang also stressed the need for collaboration with government departments to analyze systemic issues disrupting the market economy and to foster a fair and robust business environment.

In addition to economic crimes, Zhang highlighted the growing complexity of family and marriage disputes, which saw a slight increase last year. Rising asset values and new types of family properties—such as intellectual property, equity, bonds, and virtual assets—have complicated case handling.

Judges face challenges in determining shared marital properties and distinguishing between shared and individual debts, Zhang said, adding that courts should address the underlying conflicts in family lawsuits and prioritize the emotional well-being of litigants.

"Family disputes are closely tied to people's personal interests and daily lives," he said. "Addressing these issues effectively is integral to maintaining social harmony."