On August 26, the launch ceremony for the commemorative anthology *Living Up to This Era: Celebrating Attorney Tian Wenchang’s 80th Birthday* was grandly held in the China Ballroom of the Beijing China World Hotel. The event aimed to pay tribute to renowned criminal defense attorney Tian Wenchang’s 80-year life journey and more than 40 years of dedicated service to the rule of law, while reflecting on the glorious years in which a generation of legal professionals walked hand in hand with China’s rule-of-law cause.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Yang Damin, Senior Partner at Beijing King&Capital Law Firm and Editor-in-Chief of the anthology. Lin Wei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law; Chang An, Vice President of Northwest University of Political Science and Law; Jiao Hongchang, Dean of the School of Law at China University of Political Science and Law; Zhang Xuechun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of China Law Press; Han Xiutao, Professor at the School of Law, Beijing Institute of Technology; Gao Guijun, former Director of the Fifth Criminal Division of the Supreme People’s Court; Yuan Qiguo, former Director of the Prosecution Enforcement Department of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate; Zhou Dawei, Professor at Renmin University of China; performing artist Bi Yanjun; Zhao Shimin, Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music; Zhang Weimin, Honorary President of the Shanghai Alumni Association of Northwest University of Political Science and Law; Zhao Shuqing, Dean of Communication University of China; renowned writer Lao Chen; Chang Yuan, Chairman of the Qianshan Foundation; General He Maozhi; calligrapher Pang Zhonghua; young director Xiao Weiwei; Xu Jiali, founder of Long’an Law Firm; and Lü Liangbiao, Senior Partner at Dacheng Law Firm—guests from all walks of life attended the event to jointly witness this grand celebration of the culture of the rule of law.
Attorney Yang Damin, the host, first extended a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to the guests on behalf of the organizers. He noted that with such a distinguished gathering present, this launch ceremony was not only a celebration of Attorney Tian Wenchang’s 80th birthday but also a tribute to his outstanding contributions over more than four decades to criminal defense and the development of the rule of law in China. Through the anthology *Not Disappointing This Era*, legal professionals can collectively look back on the passionate years of a generation of legal practitioners. Yang Daming then introduced each of the distinguished guests in attendance and declared the launch ceremony officially open.
Welcome Address: Threefold Gratitude, Honoring the Original Aspiration of the Rule of Law
Zhu Yonghui, Director of Beijing King&Capital Law Firm, delivered the welcome address. He noted that this event brought everyone together because of Professor Tian Wenchang, this commemorative anthology, and the sincere contributions of its eighty contributors. Zhu Yonghui expressed threefold gratitude: First, he paid tribute to Professor Tian Wenchang, who, in his “trinity” role as scholar, educator, and lawyer, has personally witnessed and driven the development of China’s rule of law for over forty years. His spirit—rooted in patriotism and steadfast commitment to the rule of law—has inspired the eighty contributors to pen their heartfelt tributes; Second, he thanked China Law Press, whose editorial team refined the manuscripts with professionalism and rigor, ensuring the anthology’s successful publication and enduring legacy; third, he extended sincere gratitude to the eighty contributors—mentors and colleagues from academia, the judiciary, the business sector, and the media—who expressed their sentiments through their writings, chronicling their encounters and bonds with Professor Tian Wenchang, thereby imbuing the anthology with its warmest and most profound essence. Zhu Yonghui emphasized that *Not Disappointing This Era* is not only a portrait of Professor Tian Wenchang’s eighty-year life but also embodies the faith in the rule of law held by a generation of legal professionals. King&Capital Law Firm will carry forward the spirit of its predecessors, remain true to its original commitment to the rule of law, and forge ahead with determination.
Zhang Xuechun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of China Law Press, delivered a speech on behalf of the publisher. He extended birthday wishes to Attorney Tian Wenchang and expressed gratitude to the anthology’s chief editor and contributors. Zhang Xuechun noted that Attorney Tian Wenchang is a pioneer in China’s rule of law development, a scholar-lawyer, and a trailblazer in the field of criminal defense. His life’s journey has resonated in tandem with the restoration of China’s legal profession and the advancement of the rule of law; through his deep engagement with legal theory and hands-on practice, he has promoted the standardization of the legal profession and the dissemination of the principles of procedural justice. He noted that this anthology, coordinated by Yang Damin, features eighty authors who have written with sincerity and passion about Professor Tian Wenchang’s life journey, scholarly pursuits, legal practice, and moral character. It is a precious text imbued with warmth, sentiment, and historical value—a legacy that embodies the original aspirations of the rule of law and passes on the torch of the legal profession. China Law Press is deeply honored to have undertaken the publication of this work and will continue to support the dissemination of the culture of the rule of law, inspiring future generations of legal professionals to uphold their convictions and fulfill their mission.
Unveiling of the Anthology: A Lifetime of Achievements Captured in One Book, Immortalizing the Glory of an Era
Amid enthusiastic applause, distinguished guests including He Maozhi, Yuan Qiguo, Jiao Hongchang, Pang Zhonghua, Tian Wenchang, Yang Chunli, Lin Wei, Chang An, Gao Guijun, and Zhang Xuechun took the stage to jointly unveil the anthology *We Have Not Let This Era Down*. Accompanied by background music, the anthology was officially unveiled, and all guests in the audience marked this significant moment with warm applause.
Yang Damin revealed that the title of the anthology was taken from the foreword written by Mr. Jiang Ping for *Tian Wenchang on the Legal Profession*. The launch date coincided with the 46th anniversary of the promulgation of the *Interim Regulations on Lawyers of the People’s Republic of China* in 1980, aligning with the restoration and reconstruction of China’s legal system and holding extraordinary significance. He also shared the historical story of how Attorney Tian Wenchang was admitted to the graduate program at Northwest University of Political Science and Law in 1980, weaving together the historical imprints of the journey toward the rule of law.
Speeches by Close Friends: Recalling Student Days, Paying Tribute to Law School Alumni
Chang An, Vice President of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, delivered a speech on behalf of the university, paying tribute to the distinguished alumnus, Attorney Tian Wenchang. He noted that Tian Wenchang was a member of the first cohort of master’s students in criminal law at Northwest University of Political Science and Law, class of 1980. During his time at the university, he was diligent in his studies and dedicated to his work; his master’s thesis, *The Theory of the Purpose of Criminal Punishment*, offered unique insights. After graduation, Tian Wenchang first taught at China University of Political Science and Law before resigning to found the King&Capital Law Firm, becoming the first university professor to transition to a full-time legal practice. He has handled numerous major and complex cases and contributed to the improvement of the criminal defense system. He also served as a consultant for the legal drama *The Heavy Weapon*, which depicted his professional journey. Chang An noted that Tian Wenchang has always remained deeply committed to his alma mater. He has donated funds to establish scholarships, promoted the creation of a criminal defense training center, served as dean of the Advanced Institute of Criminal Defense Research, and compiled criminal defense textbooks, meticulously developing Northwest University of Political Science and Law’s criminal defense skills training model and devoting his heart and soul to cultivating legal talent for his alma mater. This collection of writings not only serves as a portrait of Professor Tian Wenchang’s life but also as a vivid textbook on the history of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, embodying the spirit of the rule of law: “transforming individual expertise into collective knowledge.”
Lin Wei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, delivered a humorous speech clarifying Professor Tian Wenchang’s academic background: Tian Wenchang graduated as a master’s student from the Class of 1980 at Northwest University of Political Science and Law and also earned his master’s degree from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in 1983. At that time, Southwest University of Political Science and Law convened a special meeting of its Degree Committee to confer the master’s degree upon him, and his thesis received high praise from renowned legal scholars such as Gao Mingxuan, He Peng, and Cao Zidan. Drawing on the title of the collection, *Not Let This Era Down*, Lin Wei elaborated on three layers of meaning: First, this era is worthy of the trust of legal professionals, and the progress of the rule of law in China is inseparable from the hard work of generation after generation; second, through a lifetime of dedication, Professor Tian Wenchang has lived up to this great era; and third, every legal professional should ask themselves whether they have let the era down—and Tian Wenchang has provided a resounding answer. He wished Professor Tian Wenchang good health and longevity, and expressed his appreciation for the deep bond between Southwest University of Political Science and Law and Professor Tian.
Jiao Hongchang, Dean of the School of Law at China University of Political Science and Law, delivered remarks on behalf of Vice President Liu Yanhong, recalling his years of collaboration with Tian Wenchang at the university. He noted that Tian Wenchang taught at the university from 1983 to 1995 as a renowned professor deeply beloved by students. Alongside Mr. Jiang Ping, he was hailed as one of the “two benchmarks” of the university’s distinguished lecture series. He championed the integration of the university with the market and helped improve the working conditions of faculty and staff. Jiao Hongchang pointed out that Tian Wenchang was a pioneer of rule-of-law education at the university; he was the first to resign from his full-time professorship to practice law full-time, mirroring the character in the legal drama *The Heavy Weapon*. His cross-disciplinary approach exemplified his commitment to the rule of law. “China University of Political Science and Law will carry forward the spirit of the older generation of legal professionals, such as Tian Wenchang, deepen our efforts in cultivating legal talent, and contribute to the construction of a China governed by the rule of law.”
Editor’s Reflections: Three Books in a Decade, Carrying Forward the Spirit of a Mentor
Yang Daming, editor-in-chief of the anthology, shared his editorial insights and recounted his mentor-disciple relationship with Attorney Tian Wenchang spanning more than three decades. He noted that since interviewing Attorney Tian Wenchang in 1993, he has followed in his footsteps in the field of criminal defense. Over the past decade, he has edited three works—*Tian Wenchang on the Legal Profession*, *Tian Wenchang on Criminal Defense*, and *Living Up to This Era*—collectively known as the “Tian Wenchang Trilogy.”
Yang Damin explained that the original intention behind compiling the anthology was to uncover, document, and pass on Attorney Tian Wenchang’s legal philosophy, life story, and professional spirit, ensuring these precious legacies are passed down from generation to generation. Citing a viewpoint from Professor Jiao Hongchang’s foreword, he emphasized that stories serve as the spark that transmits experience and preserves cultural memory, expressing his hope that the anthology would pay tribute to his mentor and convey the power of the rule of law.
Tian Wenchang’s Remarks: A Turbulent Life, Living Up to the Mission of the Times
Attorney Tian Wenchang took the stage to share reflections on his eight-decade-long life, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the guests in attendance, the anthology’s editor-in-chief, and the contributors. He revealed that the compilation of the anthology was Yang Daming’s “secret project”; upon learning of it, he was deeply moved yet also felt unworthy of such an honor.
Tian Wenchang reflected on his eventful 80-year life: He first achieved success at a young age and prided himself on his integrity; later, his family’s fortunes declined, leaving him emotionally scarred, and his dream of becoming a musician was shattered. During the “Cultural Revolution,” he endured hardships and narrowly escaped death four times; his years as an educated youth tempered his resolve. After returning to the city, he missed the college entrance exam due to a work-related injury, but his life took a turn for the better in 1980 when he was admitted to Northwest University of Political Science and Law on an exceptional basis to pursue graduate studies. He concealed his hyperthyroidism to continue his studies, seeking out renowned mentors and drawing on a wide range of insights; He taught at China University of Political Science and Law for thirteen years before transitioning to legal practice as a lawyer, persevering with unwavering dedication on the thorny path of criminal defense.
At the event, Tian Wenchang unveiled for the first time his four-character poem “A Life of Ups and Downs,” which summarizes his eighty-year journey through eight chapters: “A Youth in Pursuit of Dreams,” “The Madness of the Cultural Revolution,” “Going Down to the Countryside,” “The Hardships of Returning to the City,” “Resolving to Pursue a Graduate Degree,” “Teaching at China University of Political Science and Law,” “Transitioning to Law Practice,” and “A Retrospective on Life.” He stated that although his life was often beyond his control, he has always remained true to his original aspirations, realizing his life’s value through a journey that was “painful yet joyful.” The phrase “I Have Not Let This Era Down” serves as both encouragement and a spur to action; for the rest of his life, he will continue to uphold the rule of law and live up to the expectations of the times. A video showcasing Tian Wenchang’s dedication to fitness for over twenty years was played at the event, highlighting his vibrant vitality.
Guest Speeches: Diverse Perspectives, Shared Commitment to the Rule of Law
Liu Guiming, former editor-in-chief of *China Lawyer* magazine and dean of Gui Ke College, made a special trip to the event to deliver remarks. He noted that August 26 is National Lawyers’ Consultation Day, a special occasion that aligns closely with Attorney Tian Wenchang’s more than forty-year career dedicated to the rule of law and resonates with the historical milestone of the restoration and reconstruction of China’s lawyer system. Liu Guiming systematically distilled the “Tian Wenchang Spirit” into four “foundations”: upholding one’s original aspirations through a commitment to the rule of law; demonstrating responsibility by establishing oneself professionally; laying a solid foundation through academic pursuits; and preserving one’s true character by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He highly commended Attorney Tian Wenchang for consistently integrating his faith in the rule of law, professional dedication, academic depth, and a healthy lifestyle into a unified whole. He has set an exemplary standard across multiple dimensions—including theoretical research, criminal defense practice, and industry leadership—becoming a universally recognized benchmark and standard-bearer in the national legal profession, thereby charting a clear path forward for young legal professionals.
Zhang Weimin, Honorary President of the Shanghai Alumni Association of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, fondly recalled his days as a classmate with Tian Wenchang; the two met in their early years through the university’s cultural and arts troupe and formed a deep bond. In 1994, during the Northwest Airlines flight delay case, the two faced off in court as counsel for the plaintiff and defendant, respectively. Although the case ultimately did not proceed to trial, their professional exchange drew public attention to the protection of air passengers’ rights, accumulated practical experience for the development of the rule of law in China’s civil aviation sector, and provided important reference for subsequent revisions to the *Civil Aviation Law*. Zhang Weimin praised Tian Wenchang as a man of both intellectual and practical prowess, possessing both moral integrity and talent, as well as legal expertise and a humanistic spirit. He sincerely wished Tian continued success in his legal career, good health, and a long and prosperous life.
Zhou Dawei, author of the third foreword to the anthology and a legal scholar based in the United States, delivered remarks at the event, praising the book’s title, *Living Up to This Era*, for accurately capturing the magnificent journey of China’s rule of law since the Reform and Opening-Up. He systematically reviewed the historical evolution of China’s legal profession—from its restoration and reconstruction to its vigorous development—and noted that Attorney Tian Wenchang has been a steadfast pioneer in the wilderness of China’s rule of law, dedicating his life to supporting the growth of the profession and advancing the rule of law. Zhou Dawei remarked that Tian Wenchang’s journey vividly bears witness to China’s historic leap toward comprehensive governance according to law and serves as a living microcosm of the era’s development and the advancement of the rule of law. He expressed his hope that this collection of essays would be widely disseminated and have a far-reaching impact, continuing to inspire generations of future legal professionals to stay true to their original aspirations, courageously shoulder their missions, and forge ahead with determination.
Xu Jiali, founder of Long’an Law Firm, fondly recalled the deep bond of mutual respect and appreciation he shared with Attorney Tian Wenchang over four decades. The two met at China University of Political Science and Law in 1983, when Xu Jiali had strongly invited Tian Wenchang to join his law firm to jointly advance the legal profession. Since then, Xu has witnessed every step of Tian Wenchang’s extraordinary journey—from founding King&Capital Law Firm to dedicating himself to criminal defense. Xu Jiali spoke movingly about how, despite facing numerous risks and pressures throughout his career, Tian Wenchang consistently upheld the principles of the rule of law, remained true to his original aspirations, and shouldered the responsibilities of criminal defense with professionalism and a sense of duty, becoming an iconic leader in China’s journey toward the rule of law. He called on all legal professionals in the audience to follow Tian Wenchang’s example, uphold their faith in the rule of law, maintain physical and mental well-being, and contribute to the development of the legal profession.
Chang Yuan, Chairman of the Qian Shan Foundation, speaking on behalf of the Qian Xuesen School, expressed sincere gratitude to Attorney Tian Wenchang across the three fields of law, art, and life sciences. He noted that in numerous endeavors—including research on the systematic engineering of the rule of law, the formulation of artistic standards, rice cultivation, and explorations in life sciences—he had received meticulous guidance and strong support from Attorney Tian Wenchang, fully demonstrating his interdisciplinary vision and humanistic commitment. From a systems science perspective, Chang Yuan praised Tian Wenchang as “one who realizes the higher value of unifying knowledge and action.” He noted that Tian not only deeply cultivates the rule of law and upholds justice in the real world but also provides intellectual and spiritual guidance, truly living up to the expectations of his era and his mission—failing neither the real world nor the virtual world.
General He Maozhi delivered a speech at the event, highly praising Attorney Tian Wenchang for his noble life aspirations, outstanding professional contributions, and exemplary leadership in the industry. He stated that with a vision for cross-disciplinary innovation, a spirit of courageous responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to justice, Tian Wenchang has devoted himself wholeheartedly and strived tirelessly for the cause of the rule of law in China for decades, consistently adding luster to this great era through his actions and setting a spiritual benchmark for legal professionals. General He Maozhi composed a poem on the spot as a tribute, its every line brimming with respect and blessings. He sincerely wished Attorney Tian Wenchang enduring virtue, enduring talent, and enduring health and longevity, hoping he would continue to lead the industry with high spirits, safeguard fairness and justice through the power of the rule of law, and write more brilliant chapters on his new life journey.
Subsequently, Professor Jiao Hongchang took the stage once more to share his profound reflections on Attorney Tian Wenchang from a constitutional perspective. He noted that in the Liu Yong case, Tian Wenchang vigorously promoted the practical application of the rule excluding illegally obtained evidence. Through his defense in that specific case, he embodied the spirit of constitutional human rights protection, transforming abstract concepts of the rule of law into concrete practical actions, and setting an important example for procedural justice and the protection of rights. Citing a famous quote by Huxley, Jiao Hongchang called on all legal professionals to follow Tian Wenchang’s example, translate their original commitment to the rule of law into concrete actions, and ensure fairness and justice in every case and every duty they perform. He emphasized that building a China governed by the rule of law requires the steadfast dedication and sacrifice of generation after generation; only by uniting knowledge with action and persevering over the long term can we jointly lay a solid foundation for a China governed by the rule of law.
Wang Shaopeng, founder of Hubei Lifeng Law Firm, made a special trip from Wuhan to Beijing to attend the event. He fondly recalled his friendship with Attorney Tian Wenchang as fellow alumni and their shared journey as criminal defense attorneys. He stated that throughout his 31-year career in criminal defense, he has always looked up to Tian Wenchang as a role model and followed in his footsteps, deeply inspired by his faith in the rule of law and his professional spirit. Wang Shaopeng paid tribute to Tian Wenchang with concise, parallel phrases: “ At eighty, he has laid the foundation for criminal defense, living up to the grandeur of the times; through his masterful writings, he has passed on the torch, continuing to enrich the vast realm of the law.” He praised Tian Wenchang for remaining true to his original commitment to the rule of law throughout his eight decades, using criminal defense as his foundation and his writings as a bridge—not only living up to the trials of time but also nourishing the legal academia and the legal profession with his ideas and spirit, leaving a precious legacy for the cause of the rule of law.
Wang Jiuchuan, a senior partner at King&Capital Law Firm, delivered a talk titled “Growth and Testimony,” in which he shared his personal experiences and genuine insights gained over 31 years of working alongside attorney Tian Wenchang. As a direct disciple, he has witnessed firsthand Tian Wenchang’s extraordinary achievements in founding King&Capital Law Firm, dedicating himself to criminal defense, and leading the development of the industry. He has personally experienced Tian’s forceful and compelling courtroom advocacy, his profound and rigorous academic discourse, and his warm and genuine approach to others. Wang Jiuchuan stated that through years of following and learning from Tian Wenchang, he has deeply appreciated Tian’s faith in the rule of law, his professional integrity, and his personal charm. He solemnly pledged to always take Tian Wenchang as his role model, uphold the original aspirations of the rule of law, carry forward the spirit of mentorship, refine his professional capabilities, and strive to “live up to my teacher’s expectations,” continuing to demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law through concrete actions.
Concluding Remarks: Carrying Forward the Spirit, Writing a New Chapter in the Rule of Law
Chu Changzhi, Managing Partner and CEO of King&Capital Law Firm, delivered the concluding remarks. He noted that this launch ceremony was a feast for the spirit, and that the anthology, through 80 articles and 80 perspectives, presents a multidimensional portrait of Attorney Tian Wenchang’s life, his pioneering contributions to the rule of law, and his spiritual convictions. Chu Changzhi pointed out that Attorney Tian Wenchang was not only a leading figure in criminal defense but also a warm and sincere mentor. Through more than four decades of dedicated work—dispelling industry prejudices and solidifying the foundations of criminal defense—he embodied the commitment of legal professionals to “live up to the times and remain true to our original aspirations.” He said, “The launch of this anthology marks not only an endpoint but also the starting point for passing on the spirit of the rule of law. King&Capital Law Firm will take Tian Wenchang as our role model, keep our original aspirations in mind, and dedicate ourselves to our mission—living up to the hard work of our predecessors and the opportunities bestowed by our era.”
This collection of essays serves not only as a heartfelt tribute to Attorney Tian Wenchang’s eight-decade-long life but also as a faithful record of the arduous journey undertaken by a generation of legal professionals in their pursuit of the rule of law. Though people come and go, the torch of knowledge burns on. The ideals and integrity of the older generation of legal professionals will continue to be passed down through these writings, inspiring future generations of legal professionals to uphold their original aspirations, persevere with determination, and forge ahead courageously on the path toward building a China governed by the rule of law.
The launch event concluded successfully in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere.
