Published by ChinaMNC · Chaotian

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, planning documents, and annual reports, for foreign entrepreneurs setting up or operating a business in China.

Why Government Information Disclosure Matters for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders registering 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 reports that affect business operations. This article summarizes key aspects of the system based on information published on the central government's information disclosure platform.

Key Regulations on Government Information Disclosure

The foundation of the system is the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Open Government Information, effective from April 15, 2019. These regulations set out the principles and procedures for government agencies at all levels to disclose information. Several supplementary notices and measures have been issued by the General Office of the State Council to clarify implementation:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (issued December 1, 2020) – addresses fees that may apply when processing requests for government information.
• Notice on Issues Concerning the Acceptance of Government Information Disclosure Applications (October 24, 2017) – explains the channels through which applications can be submitted.
• Notice on Issues Concerning the Subject of Replies to Government Information Disclosure Applications (October 24, 2017) – clarifies which agency is responsible for responding to applications.
• Notice on Issues Concerning the Delivery of Decisions on Government Information Disclosure (October 24, 2017) – covers how decisions are delivered to applicants.
• Notice on Clarifying the Boundary Between Government Information Disclosure and Business Inquiry Matters (October 24, 2017) – helps distinguish between requests for government information and general business inquiries.
• Notice on Issues Concerning the Handling of Government Information Disclosure Applications After Institutional Reform (February 11, 2019) – addresses changes in responsibilities following government restructuring.
• Notice on Matters Related to Standardizing Government Information Disclosure Platforms (December 3, 2019) – provides guidance on how disclosure platforms should be organized.
• Notice on Issuing the Format for Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure Work (September 29, 2021) – standardizes the format for annual reports.
• Notice on Doing a Good Job in Centralized Disclosure and Dynamic Updating of Rules and Regulations (October 29, 2021) – requires agencies to keep published rules up to date.
• Notice on Forwarding the Ministry of Justice's Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Trial of Administrative Reconsideration Cases Involving Government Information Disclosure (January 4, 2022) – provides guidance on handling disputes related to information disclosure.
• Notice on Issuing the Measures for Formulating Provisions on Information Disclosure for Public Enterprises and Institutions (December 21, 2020) – extends disclosure requirements to certain public entities.

These documents form the procedural backbone for how foreign founders can request and obtain government information relevant to their business.

National Development Plans and Sector-Specific Plans

The platform also publishes national economic and social development plans, which set the strategic direction for China's economy and society. These include the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, as well as previous plans such as the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 2035 Vision, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the 12th Five-Year Plan, the 11th Five-Year Plan, and the 10th Five-Year Plan. These plans can indicate priority sectors and regions for investment.

In addition, sector-specific plans are published, including:

• Approval of the Special Education Development and Improvement “15th Five-Year” Action Plan
• Notice on Issuing the Intellectual Property Protection and Utilization “15th Five-Year” Plan
• Notice on Issuing the National Fitness Plan (2026–2030)
• Approval of the Expanding Consumption “15th Five-Year” Plan
• Notice on Issuing the National Health “15th Five-Year” Plan
• Approval of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Revitalization and Development “15th Five-Year” Plan

Foreign founders can use these plans to understand regulatory trends and market opportunities in areas such as intellectual property, health, and consumer goods.

Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure Work

Government agencies at various levels publish annual reports on their information disclosure work, providing transparency on how they have fulfilled their disclosure obligations. The platform lists annual reports for 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These reports are available for:

• 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, including the People's Bank of China system, customs system, tax system, financial supervision system, securities regulatory system, meteorological system, grain and strategic reserves system, tobacco system, railway system, civil aviation system, postal system, mining safety supervision system, and foreign exchange system.
• State Council departments, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Commerce, State Taxation Administration, General Administration of Customs, State Administration for Market Regulation, China Securities Regulatory Commission, National Intellectual Property Administration, and many others.

These reports can help foreign founders assess the responsiveness and transparency of different agencies they may need to interact with.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

When setting up a company in China, foreign founders often need to consult government information on registration procedures, industry policies, and regulatory requirements. The disclosure system provides a formal channel to request information that is not proactively published. Understanding the application process—including how to submit requests, who will respond, and how decisions are delivered—can save time and avoid confusion.

Additionally, keeping abreast of national and local development plans can inform business strategy. For example, the 15th Five-Year Plan and related sectoral plans may highlight encouraged industries or regions where foreign investment is welcomed. Annual reports on information disclosure can also indicate which agencies are more transparent, potentially easing compliance efforts.

Conclusion

China's government information disclosure system offers foreign founders a structured way to access official information. By familiarizing themselves with the key regulations and utilizing the available platforms, entrepreneurs can better navigate the regulatory environment and make informed decisions. For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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