China’s lawyers must swear allegiance to Communist Party

For the first time, lawyers in China will be expected to swear allegiance to the ruling Communist Party according to the justice ministry.

Loyalty to the country and leadership of the party will have to be pledged by all lawyers obtaining or renewing their professional licence.

The move has been criticised as inappropriate and lacking legal basis but the ministry said the oath was necessary to raise the political, professional and moral standards of lawyers.

Institutions have also been named to organise oath-taking ceremonies and lawyers would need to pledge allegiance within three months from the date of their certificates.

This new regulation comes as the Communist Party prepares for a leadership transfer taking place later this year which only occurs once in a decade.