On Saturday, China's Chief Justice Zhou Qiang warned legal professionals and judges not to be swayed by Western ideology when it comes to performing their functions.
Many hopeful observers in China and abroad, who lauded Zhou's efforts espousing a more liberal and independent Judiciary, are disappointed with his remarks
In recent years, Zhou has led an initiative to transform the country's Judiciary as an independent body, free from the subordination to the ruling Communist Party. According to a report by the New York Times, Zhou has reportedly vetted out inept judges and vowed to raise wages for those with formal legal training.
Change in Rhetoric: Resist Western Values
"We must make clear our stand. We should resolutely resist erroneous influence from the West," said Zhou in a speech to legal officials, as head of the Supreme People's Court of China.
Many experts and observers see the change in Zhou's stance as a kowtow to President Xi Jinping political lockdown in China. President Xi has recently tightened his grip in China, constraining civil society, promoting adulation for Mao Zedong, and eliminating support for free speech and a more independent press.
Facing Reality
Despite aligning himself with the current political climate, Chief Justice Zhou is not a member of the Communist Party's Ruling Politburo. Before President Xi's rise to power, the jurist was frequently touted as a possible candidate for a top leadership position in the country.
However, given the recent crackdown on officials who refuse to show fealty to the current administration, Zhou has changed his position and thrown his support behind the President.
Furthermore, Zhou urged judges across the country to"safeguard by law images of leaders and heroes, and to resolutely safeguard the party and the People's Army's glorious history.
Experts observe that the speech is potentially a bid for political survival, ahead of the key Communist Party Congress set later for this year.