To help promote world peace, China introduced the concept of the "harmony of society" to law professionals from more than 60 countries attending an international law conference in Beijing.

More than 1,500 delegates gathered in the past two days for the 22nd Congress on the Law of the World. A new session will start today in Shanghai.

The theme of the congress is known as "The Rule of Law and Harmony of International Society," which was suggested by Chinese delegates, according to Xiao Yang, chief grand judge of China.

Xiao said that China advocates harmony of the international society in order to safeguard peace in the world.

Harmony is the precondition and basis for peace, while conflicts and disputes will occur with the lack of harmony, said Xiao, also president of the Supreme People's Court.

Chinese have been familiar with the concept of "harmony of society" since the Communist Party of China introduced the phrase last fall.

President Hu Jintao described a harmonious society as one featuring fairness, justice, democracy, rule of law, stability and vigour.

Realizing the rule of law in the world and building a harmonious international society should depend on the joint efforts of the legal professionals, said Xiao.

"Communication among the legal professionals of the countries all over the world should be strengthened, so as to realize common development and progress. I believe the Congress will further the communication in the legal field and promote the progress of the world's rule of law," Xiao said.

He said the legislative system and judicial system must ensure society's justice and fairness. China, like other countries of the world, is making efforts to maintain justice for the whole society.

Since the 1980s, China has set up a basic framework for the law system, covering seven categories including the Constitution, civil and commercial laws, administrative laws, economic laws and criminal laws.

More than 200 laws in these categories exist as well as 600 valid administrative regulations, according to Xiao.

Chinese courts at all levels have concluded more than 76 million trial cases since 1990 and they adhere to the principle of equal protection.

It means that all parties concerned in the case, whether they are State-owned, private, foreign or domestic, are treated by courts on equal footing, according to Xiao.

He said the Congress on the Law of the World is an important platform for legal professionals worldwide to express their views.