Published by ChinaMNC ยท Zhalute
Understanding China's Government Information Disclosure System: A Guide for Foreign Founders
A practical overview of China's government information disclosure framework, including key regulations and how foreign founders can access official information for business planning.
Understanding China's Government Information Disclosure System
For foreign founders establishing or operating 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 annual reports. This article summarizes the key elements of that system based on information published on the Chinese government's official website.
What Is Government Information Disclosure?
The Government Information Disclosure Regulations of the People's Republic of China, dated April 15, 2019, set out the framework for how government agencies at various levels should disclose information. The system aims to improve transparency and facilitate public access to official information.
Several implementing measures have been issued by the General Office of the State Council to clarify procedures. These include:
- A notice on measures for formulating public information disclosure rules for public enterprises and institutions (December 21, 2020).
- A notice on measures for managing information processing fees related to government information disclosure (December 1, 2020).
- Guidance on handling administrative reconsideration cases concerning government information disclosure (January 4, 2022).
- A notice on centralizing and dynamically updating regulations (October 29, 2021).
- A notice on the format of annual reports on government information disclosure work (September 29, 2021).
- A notice on standardizing government information disclosure platforms (December 3, 2019).
- Interpretations on various practical issues, such as how to handle information disclosure applications after institutional reforms (February 11, 2019), and issues concerning reception channels, response entities, annual report filling, delivery of decisions, and the boundary between information disclosure and business inquiries (all dated October 24, 2017).
National and Specialized Plans
The website provides access to national economic and social development plans, including the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and previous plans dating back to the 10th Five-Year Plan. These plans outline China's strategic direction and can be useful for understanding policy priorities.
Specialized plans are also available, such as:
- Special Education Development Enhancement Action Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
- Intellectual Property Protection and Utilization Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
- National Fitness Plan (2026-2030).
- Consumption Expansion Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
- National Health Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Revitalization and Development Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Local development plans for provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities are also listed, allowing founders to research regional policies.
Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure
Government agencies at various levels publish annual reports on their information disclosure work. The website provides reports for recent years, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These reports cover:
- Provincial, regional, and municipal governments.
- 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 services, mining safety, fire rescue, and foreign exchange.
- 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 annual reports can help foreign founders understand how government agencies handle information disclosure requests and what information is publicly available.
How Foreign Founders Can Use This Information
Access to government information can support business planning and compliance. For example, founders can review national and local development plans to align their business strategies with policy priorities. They can also consult annual reports to understand how to request information from specific agencies.
The government information disclosure system allows individuals and organizations to apply for government information. The regulations and interpretations clarify the application process, including where to submit requests and how decisions are delivered. Foreign founders should be aware that the system distinguishes between information disclosure and general business inquiries, as clarified in a 2017 interpretation.
When applying for information, it is important to follow the correct channels and provide clear descriptions of the information sought. The regulations also address fees for information processing, which may apply in certain cases.
Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders
- China's government information disclosure system is governed by national regulations and implementing measures.
- National and local development plans provide insight into policy directions that may affect businesses.
- Annual reports from government agencies offer transparency on information disclosure practices.
- Foreign founders can use the system to request official information, but should understand the procedures and potential fees.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.
For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.