Speaking at a national conference of provincial high court presidents on Monday, Mr Xiao outlined the purpose of the 'strike-hard' campaign, explaining that it is necessary to ensure the protection of China's social and economic development under the sheltering wing of the World Trade Organisation, of which the country is a new member.

The Chief Justice urged his colleagues to become more effective and involved in their judicial work in order to meet the needs of increasing reform and globalisation, and explained that the campaign would focus on smuggling, tax fraud, tax evasion and money laundering, although cracking down on piracy and counterfeit consumer products will also be a priority.

Mr Xiao also announced that a crackdown on corporate as well as tax evasion is in the pipeline for next year, and argued that corrupt officials who have taken advantage of restructurings or public listings to line their own pockets should be severely punished.