China has adopted the Anti-Cross-Border Corruption Law, which expands Beijing's powers to investigate violations abroad and counter foreign investigations into Chinese interests. The document came into force immediately after adoption.
WHAT THE NEW LAW PROVIDES FOR
As reported by South China Morning Post (SCMP), the law was approved following the 25th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. Information about the adoption of the document was disseminated by the state agency Xinhua.
The new regulatory act allows Chinese authorities to investigate wrongdoing by Chinese companies regardless of the country in which it occurred. At the same time, the document provides for the possibility of blocking foreign investigations conducted without the permission of the Chinese side.
WHAT POWERS BEIJING GAINS
The law establishes official mechanisms for handling cross-border corruption cases, international co-operation and asset recovery.
Thus, its effect extends beyond combating corruption within China. The document also regulates matters of investigating cases with a foreign element and countering foreign attempts to investigate violations related to Chinese interests.
Separate attention is devoted to the return of assets located outside the country.
WHY THE ADOPTION OF THE LAW MATTERS
The new law forms the legal basis for more active participation by Chinese state bodies in investigating corruption cases abroad.
At the same time, the document touches on another aspect of international interaction: foreign investigations into Chinese companies and interests may face legal restrictions from Beijing.
CONTEXT
Against the backdrop of an expanding anti-corruption campaign within China, Beijing is strengthening the legal mechanisms for combating corruption abroad as well. This is taking place amid preparations by the Communist Party of China (CPC) for major personnel reshuffles in 2027. The new document provides for more than 200 measures to strengthen party discipline, control over the use of power and the fight against corruption.
The day before, former member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Ma Xingrui was charged with bribery. According to the prosecution, the alleged episodes date back to the late 1990s. The case was transferred to the intermediate court of the city of Yichang.
