Behavior that calls for harsh punishment

Chinese adage - luanshi yong zhongdian, which means in times of chaos, harsh laws are needed - is sometimes quoted when people discuss the necessity of strengthening the rule of law when society is plagued by lawless acts.

But the two words are often thought to be too strong for a fair commentary on the current situation in China, because luanshi - literally "chaotic time" - actually refers to an anarchic, lawless society, or one plagued by war or rebellion, while zhongdian - literally "heavy law" - implies high-handed enforcement of severe laws.

Today's China cannot be defined as a lawless society, much less one that is war-torn or rebelling. And laws, generally speaking, should not be deliberately made tough.