China's Juries

I'm not sure what to make of this:

BEIJING, Dec. 20 -- China will introduce jurors to its courts next year in the effort to improve the country's legal system.

The jurors, who are expected to have powers equal to those of a judge, will begin to sit in on cases starting May 1 and will serve five-year terms.

Candidates will be chosen through elections in January and February, China Youth Daily reported yesterday, citing the Supreme People's Court.

To qualify for the post, a candidate must have at least two years of college education, according to the court.

From March through April, the chosen candidates will undergo professional training and, after further inspection, will be authorized by county-level legislatures.

Is this a sincere effort, or - and here perhaps I betray a wariness borne of watching so many insiders "game" the system in the West - something else? Anyone know?