What is the role of the Supreme People's Court in China?

The Supreme People's Court plays a crucial role in China's judicial system, primarily focusing on overseeing and supervising the country's lower courts. This involves ensuring that the laws are applied consistently and correctly across different jurisdictions, maintaining the integrity of the legal system. By supervising lower courts, the Supreme People's Court can address discrepancies in legal interpretations and rulings, thereby upholding the rule of law within the country.

This role emphasizes the hierarchical nature of the legal system in China, where the Supreme People's Court stands as the highest judicial authority. While the court does not create new laws—this falls within the purview of the National People's Congress—it helps interpret existing laws and make judicial decisions that can set precedents for lower courts to follow.

The other options reflect functions that do not align with the Supreme People's Court's defined responsibilities. For example, representing China in international courts is typically managed by governmental representatives and diplomats, rather than the judiciary. Providing legal advice to the President is not a central function of the Supreme People's Court, which focuses instead on adjudicating legal matters and supervising the application of law. Therefore, the role of supervising lower courts is accurately highlighted in the context of the Supreme People's Court's responsibilities.