“The reason local legislation can serve as a propeller in economic and social development is that it establishes a stable and open system, where all types of market entities can operate within the framework of the rule of law,” the article said.
Chinese cities were given more power after the legislation on drafting laws was modified in 2015, expanding its coverage from 49 large cities to 293 cities and 30 autonomous prefectures. A government memo at the time said the change was to ensure these cities could draft local laws on “issues concerning urban and rural development, environmental protection and heritage preservation”.
People’s Daily said that over a decade, creative legislation tailored to the realities of local cities had played a crucial role in reaching the public, and cities had shifted from relying on direct orders from above to using the law when dealing with economic issues.
“Whether local legislation can secure long-term benefits depends on whether it adapts to the needs of economic and social developments,” it said.