Published by ChinaMNC · Shuncheng

China's Government Information Disclosure System: A Guide for Foreign Founders

A practical overview of China's government information disclosure framework, including key regulations, planning documents, and annual reporting requirements, for foreign entrepreneurs setting up or operating a business in China.

Understanding China's Government Information Disclosure System

For foreign founders establishing or running a company in China, access to reliable government information is essential. China's government information disclosure system provides a structured way to obtain official documents, regulations, and reports. This article outlines the key components of that system based on information published on the official government website (www.gov.cn).

Core Regulations on Government Information Disclosure

The foundation of the system is the Regulation of the People's Republic of China on the Disclosure of Government Information, which took effect on April 15, 2019. This regulation sets out the principles and procedures for government agencies at all levels to disclose information proactively and upon request.

Several supporting documents provide further guidance:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (issued by the General Office of the State Council on December 1, 2020) – clarifies fee structures for processing information requests.
• Notice on the Issuance of the Measures for Formulating Provisions on Information Disclosure of Public Enterprises and Institutions (December 21, 2020) – addresses disclosure requirements for public service entities.
• Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Trial of Administrative Reconsideration Cases Involving Government Information Disclosure (forwarded to the Ministry of Justice on January 4, 2022) – provides judicial guidance on handling disputes.
• Notice on the Work of Centralized Disclosure and Dynamic Updating of Rules and Regulations (October 29, 2021) – requires agencies to maintain up-to-date collections of rules.
• Notice on the Issuance of the Format for Annual Work Reports on Government Information Disclosure (September 29, 2021) – standardizes the format for annual reports.
• Notice on Matters Concerning the Standardization of Government Information Disclosure Platforms (December 3, 2019) – sets standards for online disclosure platforms.

Interpretations on Specific Disclosure Issues

The General Office of the State Council has issued several interpretations to clarify common questions:

• Handling of Disclosure Applications After Institutional Reform (February 11, 2019) – explains how to process requests when agencies are restructured.
• Channels for Receiving Disclosure Applications (October 24, 2017) – specifies acceptable methods for submitting requests.
• Subject of Reply to Disclosure Applications (October 24, 2017) – identifies which agency should respond.
• Filling of Items in Annual Reports (October 24, 2017) – provides details on report content.
• Delivery of Disclosure Decisions (October 24, 2017) – outlines how decisions are communicated.
• Boundary Between Government Information Disclosure and Business Inquiry (October 24, 2017) – distinguishes between disclosure requests and general inquiries.

National Development Plans

The website provides access to China's national economic and social development plans, which can inform strategic decisions for businesses:

• The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and Long-Range Objectives Through 2035
• The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020)
• The 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015)
• The 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010)
• The 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-2005)

Additionally, the 15th Five-Year Plan is listed, indicating that planning for the next period is underway.

Sector-Specific Plans

Various specialized plans are also published. For example:

• Action Plan for the Development of Special Education (15th Five-Year Plan period) – approved by the State Council.
• Intellectual Property Protection and Utilization Plan (15th Five-Year Plan period) – issued by the State Council.
• National Fitness Plan (2026-2030) – issued by the State Council.
• Plan for Expanding Consumption (15th Five-Year Plan period) – approved by the State Council.
• National Health Plan (15th Five-Year Plan period) – issued by the State Council.
• Plan for the Revitalization and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (15th Five-Year Plan period) – approved by the State Council.

These plans can signal government priorities and potential opportunities for foreign businesses.

Local Development Plans

Provincial-level development plans are available for all regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. These can help foreign founders understand regional priorities.

Annual Work Reports on Government Information Disclosure

The website publishes annual work reports on government information disclosure for various years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). These reports are categorized by:

• Provincial-level governments (all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities)
• Vertically managed systems such as the People's Bank of China, Customs, Taxation, Financial Supervision, Securities Regulation, Meteorology, Grain and Strategic Reserves, Tobacco, Railway, Civil Aviation, Postal, Mine Safety, Fire Rescue, and Foreign Exchange systems.
• State Council departments including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and many others.

These reports provide transparency on how government agencies fulfill their disclosure obligations.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

Foreign entrepreneurs can use these resources to:

• Stay informed about regulatory changes and policy directions.
• Understand the procedures for requesting government information, which can be useful for compliance and due diligence.
• Identify sector-specific opportunities by reviewing national and local development plans.
• Access annual reports to gauge the transparency and responsiveness of relevant agencies.

While the system is designed to be accessible, foreign founders may need assistance in navigating the Chinese-language materials and understanding the nuances of the disclosure process.

Conclusion

China's government information disclosure system offers a wealth of official information that can support foreign businesses in making informed decisions. By leveraging these resources, founders can better navigate the regulatory environment and align their strategies with China's development priorities.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For personalized assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.