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, including key regulations, planning documents, and annual reports, to help foreign founders understand transparency requirements and access official information when registering or operating a company in China.

Understanding Government Information Disclosure in China

For foreign founders establishing or running a company in China, access to reliable government information is essential for compliance and strategic planning. China’s government information disclosure system, governed by the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People’s Republic of China (effective April 15, 2019), sets out how administrative agencies should disclose information and respond to public requests. This article summarizes key aspects of the system based on official government sources, offering practical guidance for foreign entrepreneurs.

Key Regulations and Measures

The State Council General Office and its Government Information and Openness Office have issued several notices and measures that shape the disclosure process. These include:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (December 1, 2020): Establishes rules for charging fees when processing information requests, which may be relevant if you request large volumes of documents.
• Notice on the Format of Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure Work (September 29, 2021): Standardizes how agencies report on their disclosure activities each year.
• Notice on Matters Relating to the Standardization of Government Information Disclosure Platforms (December 3, 2019): Provides guidance on how online platforms should be structured, helping users locate information more easily.
• Interpretations on Various Issues: The Office has issued interpretations on topics such as receiving channels for requests (October 24, 2017), the subject of replies to requests (October 24, 2017), delivery of decision notices (October 24, 2017), and the boundary between government information disclosure and business inquiries (October 24, 2017). These clarifications can help foreign founders understand what information can be requested and how.

Additionally, the Notice on Doing a Good Job in Centralized Disclosure and Dynamic Updating of Rules and Regulations (October 29, 2021) emphasizes keeping published rules current—useful for staying compliant with changing regulations.

National Development Plans: Strategic Context

China’s national economic and social development plans provide the overarching policy direction that can affect business environments. The government website publishes the full texts of these plans, including:

• The 15th Five-Year Plan Outline for National Economic and Social Development.
• The 14th Five-Year Plan and 2035 Vision Goals Outline.
• Earlier plans from the 13th, 12th, 11th, and 10th Five-Year periods.

These documents outline priorities in areas such as innovation, sustainability, and industrial development. While they are high-level, they can signal where opportunities or regulatory changes may arise. Foreign founders may find it useful to review relevant sections when making long-term investment decisions.

Sector-Specific and Local Plans

Beyond national plans, the website lists various special plans approved or issued by the State Council, such as:

• Action Plan for the Development and Enhancement of Special Education (15th Five-Year Plan period).
• 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 sector-specific plans can provide insight into regulatory trends and government support in particular industries. Additionally, local development plans for each province, autonomous region, and municipality are accessible, which is valuable if you are considering setting up operations in a specific location.

Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure

Each year, government agencies at various levels publish annual reports on their information disclosure work. These reports summarize what information was disclosed, how requests were handled, and any improvements made. The website aggregates reports from:

• Provincial-level governments (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).
• Vertically managed systems such as the People’s Bank of China, Customs, Taxation, Financial Supervision, Securities Regulatory Commission, Meteorology, Grain and Strategic Reserves, Tobacco, Railway, Civil Aviation, Postal, Mining 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 are available for multiple years (e.g., 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). For foreign founders, reviewing reports from relevant agencies—such as the Ministry of Commerce, State Taxation Administration, or local provincial governments—can provide transparency into how information requests are handled and what types of information are routinely disclosed.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

When seeking government information, consider the following based on the official guidance:

• Check the relevant agency’s disclosure platform first: Many documents are proactively published. The notice on standardizing platforms aims to make these easier to find.
• Understand the request process: The interpretations clarify how to submit requests, what to expect in terms of response, and the distinction between government information disclosure and general business inquiries. Ensure your request is specific and directed to the appropriate body.
• Be aware of fees: The measures on information processing fees allow agencies to charge for certain costs, so for large requests, budget accordingly.
• Use annual reports: These can help you understand an agency’s disclosure practices and may save time when preparing your own requests.

While the system is designed to promote transparency, navigating it may require persistence and local knowledge. Foreign founders often benefit from consulting local professionals or using translation services for Chinese-language documents.

Conclusion

China’s government information disclosure framework provides mechanisms for foreign founders to access official information necessary for compliance and business planning. By understanding the key regulations, utilizing published plans and annual reports, and following proper request procedures, you can better navigate the regulatory landscape.

Need assistance? Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

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