The promulgation of the Administrative Procedure Law established the right of ordinary people to sue officials, stressed clean government, and established safeguards for the civil rights of the people, demonstrating the gradual advance of China’s legislation.

In 1982 an amendment had already been added to Article 3 of the Civil Procedures Law (Trials): “Administrative cases to be tried by people’s courts according to law shall apply the provisions of this law.” Though simply stated, this clause confirmed the administrative litigation system, and was therefore of great significance.