National People's Congress Courts:What is the relationship between the National People's Congress and the courts in China's legal system?

Q: What is the relationship between the National People's Congress and the courts in China's legal system?

A: Under China's Constitution, the National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power, and all courts, including the Supreme People's Court, are responsible to it. The NPC elects the President of the Supreme People's Court, who reports to the NPC annually. Courts are required to implement laws enacted by the NPC and its Standing Committee. According to the 2026 Supreme People's Court Work Report delivered to the NPC, courts nationwide concluded over 45 million cases in 2025, reflecting their role in enforcing NPC legislation. The NPC also supervises judicial work through inspections and reviews. This structure ensures that the judiciary operates within the framework of people's congresses, reinforcing the principle that courts exercise judicial power independently but remain accountable to the NPC as the representative of the people.

Q: How does the National People's Congress supervise the work of Chinese courts in 2026?

A: The National People's Congress supervises courts through multiple mechanisms. At its annual session in March 2026, the NPC heard and deliberated the Supreme People's Court Work Report, which detailed judicial achievements and challenges. NPC deputies may submit inquiries or proposals regarding judicial issues. The NPC Standing Committee can conduct special investigations and law enforcement inspections. Additionally, the NPC approves the appointment of Supreme People's Court judges, including the President and Vice Presidents. According to the 2026 NPC Standing Committee Work Report, 12 judicial oversight inspections were conducted in 2025, focusing on civil enforcement and intellectual property cases. This supervision ensures courts align with legislative intent and national priorities, while respecting judicial independence in case adjudication. The system reflects China's constitutional principle of democratic centralism.

Q: What were the key highlights of the 2026 Supreme People's Court report to the National People's Congress?

A: The 2026 Supreme People's Court Work Report, presented to the National People's Congress in March 2026, highlighted several priorities. Courts concluded 45.2 million cases in 2025, a 6.8% increase from 2024, with emphasis on combating cybercrime, protecting intellectual property, and resolving civil disputes. The report noted that 98.5% of judgments were executed effectively. It also stressed judicial transparency, with 12 million live-streamed trials. Regarding foreign affairs, courts handled 15,000 cases involving foreign parties, supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. The report emphasized adherence to NPC legislation, particularly the revised Civil Code and new anti-espionage law. Chief Justice Zhang Jun stated that courts would deepen judicial reform and use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. These highlights demonstrate the judiciary's responsiveness to NPC guidance and public demands for fairness.

Q: How do courts in China implement decisions made by the National People's Congress?

A: Courts in China implement National People's Congress (NPC) decisions by applying laws and resolutions passed by the NPC and its Standing Committee. When the NPC enacts or amends legislation, the Supreme People's Court issues judicial interpretations to ensure uniform application. For instance, following the NPC's 2025 revision of the Civil Procedure Law, the Supreme People's Court issued guidelines in early 2026 to streamline online litigation. Courts also execute NPC-approved national policies, such as anti-corruption campaigns and environmental protection. According to the 2026 Supreme People's Court Work Report, courts resolved 8,500 environmental cases in 2025 and 3,200 corruption cases, directly enforcing NPC priorities. Additionally, courts report to the NPC on implementation progress, and NPC deputies can inspect local courts. This hierarchical relationship ensures that judicial power serves the legislative will and national development goals, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Dialogue about

Common scenarios of "National People's Congress Courts"

【Citizen】 I've heard about National People's Congress Courts. What exactly are they?

【Legal Expert】 The term 'National People's Congress Courts' isn't an official designation in China's judicial system. It might refer to courts that are established or supervised by the National People's Congress (NPC), but in practice, China has a unified court system under the Supreme People's Court.

【Citizen】 So there's no separate court system run by the NPC?

【Legal Expert】 Correct. The NPC is the highest organ of state power. It elects the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court and can hear the Supreme People's Court's work report. But the courts themselves are part of the judicial branch, not the NPC.

【Citizen】 Then why do people sometimes say 'NPC Courts'?

【Legal Expert】 It could be a misunderstanding or a shorthand. For example, some might think that because the NPC has the power to supervise the courts, they are 'NPC courts.' But that's not accurate. The courts operate independently according to law.

【Citizen】 Are there any special courts that the NPC directly manages?

【Legal Expert】 No. The NPC does not manage any courts directly. It does, however, have the power to establish special courts like military courts, maritime courts, and intellectual property courts, but these are still part of the unified judicial system.

【Citizen】 So what is the relationship between the NPC and the courts?

【Legal Expert】 The NPC and its Standing Committee supervise the work of the Supreme People's Court. They can hear reports, conduct inspections, and ask questions. But they don't interfere in individual cases. The courts exercise judicial power independently.

【Citizen】 I see. So the term 'National People's Congress Courts' is a misnomer?

【Legal Expert】 Yes, it's not an official term. It might be used in some media or casual conversations, but it's better to refer to the people's courts at various levels, which are established according to the Constitution and laws.

【Citizen】 What about the role of the NPC in judicial appointments?

【Legal Expert】 The NPC elects the President of the Supreme People's Court. The Standing Committee appoints and removes judges, procurators, and other judicial officials. So the NPC plays a key role in personnel, but not in daily operations.

【Citizen】 Does that mean the courts are not independent?

【Legal Expert】 No, the Constitution states that people's courts exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from interference by administrative organs, social organizations, and individuals. The NPC's supervision is a constitutional power, but it doesn't undermine judicial independence.

【Citizen】 So if someone says 'NPC Courts,' they might be confusing supervision with administration?

【Legal Expert】 Exactly. It's a common misconception. The NPC supervises, but the courts administer justice. The term 'NPC Courts' could also refer to courts in regions where the NPC is particularly active, but that's not a formal category.

【Citizen】 Are there any ongoing reforms related to this?

【Legal Expert】 Yes, China has been promoting judicial reform to ensure courts exercise power independently and impartially. The NPC supports these reforms through legislation and supervision. But the goal is to strengthen the rule of law, not to create 'NPC courts.'

【Citizen】 Thank you for clarifying. So the term is not official and can be misleading.

【Legal Expert】 You're welcome. It's important to use accurate terminology. The correct terms are 'people's courts' or 'Supreme People's Court.' The NPC's role is to supervise and support, not to run the courts.