Published by ChinaMNC · Fushun

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

A practical overview of China's government information disclosure framework, outlining key regulations and resources for foreign entrepreneurs establishing or operating a business in China.

Understanding Government Information Disclosure in China

For foreign founders setting up or running a company in China, access to official government information is essential for compliance, strategic planning, and understanding the regulatory environment. China's government information disclosure system, governed by the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Open Government Information (effective 2019-04-15), provides a structured framework for obtaining such information. This article summarizes key aspects of the system based on information published on the official government website.

Key Regulations and Notices

The State Council General Office and its Government Information and Openness Office have issued several notices and interpretations to clarify the implementation of the disclosure system. These include:

• Regulations on Open Government Information (2019-04-15) – the foundational regulation.
• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (2020-12-01) – specifies fees for processing information requests.
• Notice on the Formulation of Rules for Information Disclosure of Public Enterprises and Institutions (2020-12-21).
• Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Trial of Administrative Reconsideration Cases of Government Information Disclosure (2022-01-04).
• Notice on the Centralized Disclosure and Dynamic Updating of Rules and Regulations (2021-10-29).
• Notice on the Format of Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure (2021-09-29).
• Notice on Matters Concerning the Standardization of Government Information Disclosure Platforms (2019-12-03).
• Interpretations on Issues Concerning the Handling of Government Information Disclosure Applications after Institutional Reform (2019-02-11).
• Interpretations on Issues Concerning the Channels for Receiving Government Information Disclosure Applications (2017-10-24).
• Interpretations on Issues Concerning the Subject of Replies to Government Information Disclosure Applications (2017-10-24).
• Interpretations on Issues Concerning the Filling of Items in Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure (2017-10-24).
• Interpretations on Issues Concerning the Delivery of Decisions on Government Information Disclosure (2017-10-24).
• Interpretations on Clarifying the Boundary between Government Information Disclosure and Business Inquiry Matters (2017-10-24).

These documents provide the legal and procedural basis for requesting and receiving government information. Foreign founders should familiarize themselves with these regulations to effectively navigate the system.

National and Specialized Development Plans

The website publishes national economic and social development plans, including the outlines of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the 2035 Vision, and earlier five-year plans. These plans set the direction for China's economic and social policies and can be valuable for long-term business planning.

Additionally, specialized plans are available, such as:

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

These plans can inform market entry strategies and identify sectors with government support.

Local Development Plans

Local development plans are available for all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, 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. Foreign founders can access these to understand regional priorities and incentives.

Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure

The website provides annual reports on government information disclosure for recent years, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These reports cover:

• 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 Regulatory, Meteorological, Grain and Strategic Reserves, Tobacco, Railway, Civil Aviation, Postal, Mining Safety, and Foreign Exchange systems. Note that the specific systems listed may vary by year; for example, the 2022 report includes the Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, while later reports may reflect institutional changes.
• 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, National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, National Health Commission, Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Management, People's Bank of China, National Audit Office, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, General Administration of Customs, State Taxation Administration, State Administration for Market Regulation, National Financial Regulatory Administration, China Securities Regulatory Commission, National Radio and Television Administration, General Administration of Sport, National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration, National Bureau of Statistics, National Intellectual Property Administration, China International Development Cooperation Agency, National Healthcare Security Administration, National Government Offices Administration, National Press and Publication Administration, National Copyright Administration, China Meteorological Administration, National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, National Energy Administration, National Data Administration, State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Railway Administration, Civil Aviation Administration of China, State Post Bureau, National Cultural Heritage Administration, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, National Mine Safety Administration, National Fire and Rescue Administration, State Administration of Foreign Exchange, National Medical Products Administration, National Civil Service Bureau, National Archives Administration, National Administration of State Secrets Protection, China Film Administration, and China Earthquake Administration.

These reports offer insights into the transparency practices of various government bodies and can help foreign founders understand how to request information from specific agencies.

How Foreign Founders Can Use This Information

Foreign entrepreneurs can leverage the government information disclosure system to:

• Access official regulations and policy documents that affect business operations.
• Understand the procedures for making information requests, including the channels and authorities responsible.
• Review annual reports to gauge the responsiveness of government agencies.
• Identify development plans that may signal business opportunities or regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with information processing fee requirements.

It is advisable to consult the specific regulations and notices for detailed procedures. The system is designed to promote transparency and facilitate access to information, but foreign founders should be aware that certain information may be exempt from disclosure under the regulations.

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