Briefly

Reforms advance China's human rights

China's efforts to deepen comprehensive reforms have promoted high-quality human rights development, enhancing safeguards for people's economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, according to a blue book on the country's human rights progress. The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in China's reform journey as the central government vowed to advance Chinese-style modernization through reform and opening-up. These efforts have ensured that the country's human rights protection is advancing in a coordinated manner across all fields, according to the recently released Annual Report on China's Human Rights (2025) by the China Society for Human Rights Studies. The reform measures, aimed at stimulating and enhancing social vitality, have further advanced human rights by removing obstacles to independent and equal development for all.

The report also highlights that these reforms, by liberating productive forces and fostering economic development, will create the material foundation necessary to strengthen human rights protection.

Former GM of firm executed for bribery

Bai Tianhui, former general manager of China Huarong International Holdings, was executed on Tuesday after the country's top court approved his death sentence for bribery. The execution was carried out by the Tianjin No 2 Intermediate People's Court, where Bai was convicted of accepting bribes. The court informed Bai of the decision made by the Supreme People's Court and allowed him to meet his family members before the execution. Bai was sentenced to death on May 28, 2024. He was also deprived of political rights for life and his personal assets were confiscated. The Tianjin High People's Court upheld the death penalty sentence after rejecting his appeal on Feb 24.According to the SPC's statement approving the death penalty, Bai, from 2014 to 2018, used his various positions in the company to seek benefits for relevant departments in project acquisitions and corporate financing, in exchange for bribes exceeding 1.1 billion yuan ($156 million).

China Daily