Published by ChinaMNC · Naiman

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 reports, to help foreign founders navigate transparency requirements when registering and operating a company in China.

Understanding China's Government Information Disclosure System

For foreign founders establishing or running a company in China, understanding what government information is publicly available—and how to access it—can save time and reduce compliance risk. China's State Council has built a structured system for government information disclosure, anchored by the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China (effective April 15, 2019). This article summarizes the key components of that system based solely on information published on the official government website.

Key Regulations and Notices

The legal framework for government information disclosure is supplemented by a series of notices and measures issued by the General Office of the State Council. These documents address practical aspects of implementation:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (December 1, 2020) – sets rules for fees that may apply when processing requests for government information.
• Notice on the Formulation of Measures for Information Disclosure by Public Enterprises and Institutions (December 21, 2020) – provides guidance for public entities beyond government agencies.
• Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Trial of Administrative Reconsideration Cases on Government Information Disclosure (January 4, 2022) – clarifies how disputes over information disclosure are handled.
• Notice on Doing a Good Job in Centralized Disclosure and Dynamic Updating of Rules and Regulations (October 29, 2021) – requires agencies to keep regulatory documents current and accessible.
• Notice on the Format of Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure (September 29, 2021) – standardizes how agencies report their disclosure activities each year.

Additionally, a series of interpretations from the State Council's Government Information and Openness Office address specific scenarios, such as:

• Handling information disclosure applications after institutional reforms (February 11, 2019).
• Clarifying the channels for receiving information disclosure requests (October 24, 2017).
• Determining the proper respondent for information disclosure requests (October 24, 2017).
• Guidance on filling out annual report items (October 24, 2017).
• Rules for delivering decisions on information disclosure requests (October 24, 2017).
• Distinguishing between government information disclosure and general business inquiries (October 24, 2017).
• Standardizing government information disclosure platforms (December 3, 2019).

National Development Plans

The government publishes national economic and social development plans that outline strategic priorities. These plans can signal upcoming regulatory and policy directions relevant to businesses. The website lists the following plans:

• The 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development.
• The 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through 2035.
• The 13th Five-Year Plan.
• The 12th Five-Year Plan.
• The 11th Five-Year Plan.
• The 10th Five-Year Plan.

In addition, sector-specific plans (special plans) are published, including recent approvals and notices such as:

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

Local development plans for each province, autonomous region, and municipality are also available, covering all major regions from Beijing to Xinjiang.

Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure

Government agencies at various levels are required to publish annual reports on their information disclosure work. The website provides access to reports for multiple years, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These reports are organized by category:

• Provincial-level reports – from all 31 provincial-level administrative divisions (e.g., 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, Xinjiang).
• Vertical systems reports – from agencies with vertical leadership, such as the People's Bank of China system, Customs system, Tax system, Financial Regulatory Bureau system, Securities Regulatory Commission system, Meteorological Administration system, Grain and Strategic Reserves system, Tobacco Monopoly system, Railway system, Civil Aviation system, Postal system, Mining Safety system, Fire and Rescue system, and Foreign Exchange system.
• State Council department reports – from ministries and commissions 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 for 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 annual reports can provide insight into how agencies handle information disclosure requests and may be useful for foreign founders seeking to understand regulatory practices.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

When registering or operating a company in China, foreign founders may need to request government information or rely on publicly disclosed documents. The system described above offers several entry points:

• Access to regulations and policies – The centralized disclosure of rules and regulations helps ensure that businesses can find current requirements.
• Understanding procedures – The interpretations and notices clarify how to submit information disclosure requests, who should respond, and how decisions are delivered.
• Fee awareness – The measures on information processing fees outline when charges may apply, allowing founders to budget accordingly.
• Strategic planning – National and local development plans can inform business planning, especially in sectors like intellectual property, health, and consumption.
• Accountability – Annual reports provide a way to assess agencies' transparency and responsiveness.

It is important to note that while the government publishes a wide range of information, some requests may be subject to fees or may be denied under certain circumstances as defined by law. Foreign founders should familiarize themselves with the Regulations and related notices to navigate the process effectively.

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

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