China adopts cross-border corruption law, broadens anti-graft scope
China has passed a new law targeting cross-border corruption, state media reported on 6 November. The legislation, revised to broaden its scope, aims to deepen international cooperation, tighten confidentiality requirements and increase corporate compliance obligations for Chinese firms operating ov
China has adopted a new law to combat cross-border corruption, state news agency Xinhua said on 6 November, adding that it was aimed at deepening international cooperation on the issue and safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security.
Tackling corruption has been one of the signature themes of President Xi Jinping's leadership.
In an article run by the Communist Party's People's Daily on 5 November, top anti-corruption official Li Xi wrote that "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."
The legislation, a draft of which was reviewed in August 2025, was revised this month to broaden its scope, including a provision supporting the development of a fairer global anti-corruption governance system, according to Xinhua.
The revisions also tighten confidentiality requirements, requiring investigators to protect state secrets, commercial secrets and personal data obtained during probes.
They also increase corporate compliance obligations, requiring Chinese companies engaged in cross-border business to establish anti-corruption compliance functions proportionate to their size, business activities and risk exposure, Xinhua said.