Universalism vs. Particularism.
The universalist, or rule-based, approach is roughly: "What is good and right can be defined and ALWAYS applies." In particularist cultures, far greater attention is given to the obligations of relationships and unique circumstances. Take the case of trying to cross the street at the red light. In a very rule-based society like the U.S., you will still be frowned at even if there is no traffic. It tends to imply equality in the sense that all persons, or citizens, falling under the rule should be treated the same.
On the contrary, in Asian societies like Taiwan, where particularist judgements focus on the exceptional nature of circumstances, it is likely to be OK with one if it is his/her brothers or friends that violate the traffic rule. These people are not "citizens", but their "friends" or "brothers". This difference probably explains why there have been difficulties in implementing a judicial system that is credible in our country.