Leading officials at various levels have a key role to play in China's bid to realize the rule of law, says a People's Daily editorial.

At a recent seminar held for provincial and ministerial-level officials, President Xi Jinping pointed out the important responsibility that leading officials have in the country's efforts to promote the rule of law, and he outlined explicit ways they should play their role in this process.

They have played an important role in the push for China's governance in accordance with law since the reform and opening-up in 1978, especially since the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1997. However, some problems have also emerged, such as a poor awareness of rule of law and lax law enforcement, as well as failure to abide by the law and deliberately breaking the law. Some officials have also put administrative power above the law, intervened in judicial procedure and bent the law for their own purposes.

Such behavior is particularly common among corrupt officials that have been investigated. Their final self-destruction usually starts from their disrespect for Party discipline and the law. The downfall of such high-ranking officials has taught people profound lessons.

Such malpractices among leading officials have not only damaged the political ecology, they have also tainted the image and authority of the Party and the government and compromised the country's governance. Without resolving these problems, it would be difficult for the rule of law to be really enshrined.

Leading officials can play both a propulsive or obstructive role in the country's legal construction. They should put themselves under the rule of law. They should bear in mind that Party discipline and the laws are by no means a scarecrow and any violators will be held accountable.