China adopts law targeting cross-border corruption
The measure sets out reported compliance duties for Chinese companies doing business across borders and confidentiality requirements for investigators.
China adopted a law targeting cross-border corruption on Nov. 6, Reuters reported from Beijing, citing an announcement by state news agency Xinhua. Xinhua said the measure aims to deepen international cooperation against corruption while safeguarding China’s sovereignty and security. The reported provisions address Chinese companies conducting cross-border business and investigators handling related probes.
What the law reports for companies and investigators
Xinhua said the draft was reviewed in August 2025 and revised this month to broaden the law’s scope. The revisions include a provision supporting development of what the agency described as a fairer global anti-corruption governance system, Reuters reported. The account does not specify when the law takes effect or detail its enforcement procedures.
Investigators must protect state secrets, commercial secrets and personal data obtained during probes, according to Xinhua’s account. Chinese companies engaged in cross-border business must establish anti-corruption compliance functions proportionate to their size, activities and exposure to risk. Those requirements put both investigative handling of sensitive information and corporate compliance within the law’s reported scope; the report does not provide the complete text or explain how authorities will apply the duties.
The law follows calls to pursue cross-border corruption
The adoption followed a public call by Li Xi, a senior anti-corruption official, for legislation to combat cross-border corruption and strengthen efforts to track fugitives, prevent their flight and recover illicit assets. Li made the appeal in an article in the Communist Party’s People’s Daily on Thursday, Reuters reported. Reuters also described tackling corruption as a signature theme of President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
The broader campaign has also affected senior military ranks. The South China Morning Post reported that the Communist Party’s fifth plenum concluded the previous Thursday and confirmed the expulsion of 33 full and alternate Central Committee members, including 16 senior military officers. The outlet identified Liu Qingsong, former Eastern Theatre Command political commissar; Huang Ming, former Northern Theatre Command commander; and Wang Haijiang, former Western Theatre Command commander among those expelled.
The South China Morning Post described the expulsions as part of an anti-corruption drive that has prompted personnel changes across the People’s Liberation Army’s senior ranks. That military context is separate from the cross-border law: Reuters’ account of its aims and provisions rests on Xinhua’s announcement, while the South China Morning Post reported on the military expulsions.
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Sources and context
- China passes cross-border corruption law, expanding anti-graft driveReuters, republished by The Straits Times
- China’s new PLA theatre chiefs identified as anti-corruption drive clears ranksSouth China Morning Post
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.