Thus, the contemporary practice of negotiated and mediated settlement of problems is built on codes and rites that have ancient origins. As a result, almost all Chinese have direct access to a local committee that serves as a nonjudicial facilitator of conflict resolution. In addition, both citizens and government officials strongly prefer this form of conflict resolution to direct contact with security or judicial officials. Moreover, as Chinese society has modernized and rule by law has expanded, the use of nonjudicial conflict management at the local level has continued undiminished. It continues to be the major social control response mechanism in China, using a variety of procedures and resting on a relatively stable community life that relies significantly on personal contacts and obligations.