China Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
China's rule of law was 0.11 in 2025, ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 384.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
China's rule of law stood at 0.11 in 2025, a rise of +0.15 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.11 by 2025. China ranked 93rd globally.
China’s Rule of Law score in the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators rose from a trough of –0.70 in 2006 to a peak of 0.11 in 2025, the latest reading that places the country at 0.11 and 93rd out of 193 economies. The 26‑year series shows a gradual, albeit modest, improvement from the earliest 1996 value of –0.55, yet the score remains well below peers such as Thailand (0.23) and the Maldives (0.20), and only matches Georgia’s 0.11. The persistent low ranking reflects structural constraints in judicial independence, law enforcement consistency and civil liberties, which have limited the translation of economic growth into stronger legal institutions. While the upward trajectory since the mid‑2000s suggests incremental reforms, further enhancement of transparent court procedures, anti‑corruption mechanisms and protection of property rights would be required to lift China’s standing and sustain progress in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.16 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.11 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.11 | +0.15 | #93 |
| 2023 | -0.04 | +0.00 | #95 |
| 2022 | -0.04 | −0.05 | #95 |
| 2021 | 0.01 | +0.11 | #94 |
| 2020 | -0.10 | +0.16 | #97 |
| 2019 | -0.26 | −0.08 | #111 |
| 2018 | -0.19 | +0.07 | #103 |
| 2017 | -0.26 | +0.07 | #110 |
| 2016 | -0.32 | +0.08 | #118 |
| 2015 | -0.41 | −0.01 | #119 |
| 2014 | -0.40 | +0.13 | #119 |
| 2013 | -0.53 | +0.02 | #127 |
| 2012 | -0.55 | −0.09 | #131 |
| 2011 | -0.45 | +0.02 | #120 |
| 2010 | -0.47 | −0.01 | #124 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's rule of law was 0.11 in 2025. Ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 384.3% increase from the previous year.
China's rule of law peaked at 0.11 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in China was -0.70 in 2006.
China ranks 93rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
China's rule of law is projected to reach 0.11 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of China in 2025 was 0.11. This ranks 93rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_rule-of-law,
title = {China Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}