Zhou Qiang (left), president of the Supreme People's Court, and Zhu Ling, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, launch the court's English website, english.court.gov.cn, in Beijing, on Dec 15. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

China's Supreme People's Court (SPC), its top court, announced the opening of its new English language website - english.court.gov.cn - on Tuesday, Dec 15, as a major part of its strategic move toward judicial openness outside China through the use of information technology and the new digital media.

The new site's role is to provide authoritative information for people in the law and for the general public as well, through news releases, major case information, laws and regulations, and other information concerning Chinese law and legal processes.

The responsibility for designing, maintaining, and updating the SPC website has been given to chinadaily.com.cn, China's largest English-language portal and a branch of China Daily, China's largest English language daily. Taking part in the website launch ceremony, were SPC President Zhou Qiang and Publisher and Editor-in-chief of China Daily Zhu Ling.

In addressing the gathering, Zhou explained that the new website will be able to show China's progress in the "rule of law" and the work of Chinese courts in an up-to-date fashion as well as general information on the law and legal procedures and promote international judicial cooperation.

He went on to note that judicial transparency is important for China's credibility and the SPC will be innovative in its development and continue to open up and share its resources with the public. He also said that the new website will play an important role in this and in encouraging the judiciary to better serve the people and pursue judicial fairness and show the outside world China's achievements in the rule of law and improving its judiciary.

In response, Zhu told the gathering that China Daily will promote long-term and pragmatic cooperation with the SPC and give China a voice in judicial affairs in the world.

Ceremony for SPC's English website launch, english.court.gov.cn, in Beijing, on Dec 15. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]