JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

China will begin blacklisting and punishing officials who interfere in judicial activities.

This measure forms part of a broader legal package adopted by a key session of the CPC Central Committee in October.

Party and government officials are integral to realizing rule of law in China, and should steer clear of judicial investigations and trials, the statement said.

Officials' clean records in this regard will be taken into consideration during appraisal.

CITIZEN SUPERVISORS

Since 2010, Chinese procuratorates have invited the public to supervise their work. These "citizen supervisors" have helped protect the legal rights of suspects in graft investigations.

The new initiative will improve the selection of citizen supervisors, while giving them more responsibilities.

It will be updated according to the results of a pilot project launched by the Supreme People's Procuratorate last September across two municipalities and eight provinces.

STRICTER SCRUTINY

The Party in Shanghai decided to more closely regulate the business activities of its officials' relatives.

The leading group endorsed Shanghai's decision and asked Party and government departments to assist.

The experience in Shanghai will be rolled out nationwide if it is effective.