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From the Co-Editors Bo
LI & Li-an ZHOU In this issue of "Perspectives," we are very pleased to offer a special article from Professor Wu Jinglian. It is Professor Wu's most recent speech on China's economic reform, and we think this article offers very valuable insights from one of the top advisors of China's economic reform in the last twenty years. The feature of this issue is "The Rule of Law and China," under which you will find five articles relating to law and China. First, we offer two articles from two experts in Chinese law. Dean Albert Chen of Hong Kong University Faculty of Law starts by presenting his views on the relationship between Chinese cultural traditions and modern human rights. Professor Randall Peerenboom of UCLA Law School then discusses, in the first part of a two-part essay, the differences between "thick" and "thin" theories of rule of law and their applicabilities to China. It has always been one goal of "Perspectives" to facilitate cross-discipline dialogues in social sciences, humanities and law. This issue of "Perspectives" exemplifies this purpose. After the first two articles from two law professors, we have two articles on law from economists. First, Professor Yingyi Qian explores the relationship between the rule of law and the modern market economy. Second, Professors Jeffrey Sachs, Wing Thye Woo and Xiaokai Yang discuss, also in the first part of a two-part essay, the relationship between economic reforms and constitutional transition. In addition, Professor Wu Jinglian also emphasizes in his article the importance of rule of law to China's economic reform. Finally, under "The Rule of Law and China," Dr. Bo Li offers an introduction to the western conception of "rule of law" and its values. We also have a new column titled "People" in this issue of "Perspectives." Under this column, you will find the story of Dr. C. J. Huang, a Chinese American entrepreneur, calligrapher and philanthropist. We hope you find Dr. Huang's story encouraging and enlightening. We hope that you enjoy reading the articles in this issue of "Perspectives," and you are invited to come back to read the second part of "The Rule of Law and China" series (to be published in June). We also hope to hear your comments, criticisms and suggestions on this publication. Please feel free to write to us at bo_li@post.harvard.edu and zhoula@leland.stanford.edu.
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