YANG Dong: The Rule of Law Path to Chinese Modernization

The path towards modernization from the rule of law can be understood from the following three aspects.

The first aspect is "institutionalization". Through the great practice of socialism in the past, we have entered a new stage where traditional laws are integrated with modern technological laws and foreign-related rule of law, thereby establishing China's independent legal system. Especially in areas such as digital courts, digital procuratorates, and data elements, we are at the forefront of the world. We possess the experience and capability to advance towards modernization from the rule of law.

The second aspect is "digitalization". The rapid development of AI, big data, blockchain, and especially DeepSeek fully demonstrates that we possess strong and independent Chinese "digitalization" capabilities. This serves as an excellent prerequisite for advancing towards modernization from the rule of law.

The third aspect is "practicalization". The practice of the rule of law in Chinese modernization serves as a microcosm and representation of global rule of law practices. In the era of digital civilization, China's independent theories and practices of the rule of law are poised to achieve connectivity with the rest of the world.

(Translated excerpts from the views of YANG Dong, Researcher at the National Academy of Development and Strategy (NADS), and Dean of the Law School at Renmin University of China (RUC), at the third session of the Jiangshan Forum· Expert Talks, an original short video interview series of NADS.)