Politics · China · 3 hrs ago
China passes law targeting cross-border corruption
China's National People's Congress Standing Committee passed a law targeting cross-border corruption on November 6.
The law covers how cases are handled, international cooperation, corporate compliance and legal responsibility.
It follows President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign and aims to help track fugitives, prevent people from fleeing and recover illicit assets.
It also requires Chinese companies doing business across borders to set up anti-corruption controls suited to their size and risks.
Investigators must protect state and commercial secrets and personal data collected during investigations.
The law also sets out China's aim to take part in global anti-corruption efforts while protecting national interests and cross-border business; it takes effect when it is promulgated.
China’s legislature passed a law on cross-border corruption on November 6, according to China News Service and Xinhua.
The law aims to prevent and punish cross-border corruption, deepen international cooperation and protect China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.
It contains six chapters and 47 articles and takes effect from the date it is promulgated.
The law also calls for China to participate actively in global anti-corruption governance.
Revisions include tighter confidentiality rules and compliance requirements for Chinese companies doing business across borders.
- Who
- China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed the law.
- What
- It passed a law to prevent and punish cross-border corruption.
- When
- November 6, 2026.
- Where
- Beijing, China.
- Why
- To tackle cross-border corruption, deepen international cooperation and protect China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A draft of the legislation was reviewed.
The draft was revised, with its scope broadened, according to Xinhua.
China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee voted to pass the law.
- Structure
- Six chapters and 47 articles
- Passed
- November 6, 2026
- Effective date
- The date the law is promulgated
- Companies
- Chinese companies doing cross-border business must establish anti-corruption compliance functions proportionate to their size, activities and risk exposure
- Confidentiality
- Investigators must protect state secrets, commercial secrets and personal data obtained during probes
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What people are saying
legislation should be enacted to combat cross-border corruption, to strengthen efforts to track down fugitives, prevent flight and recover illicit assets, along with greater enforcement in cross-border corruption cases.