Published by ChinaMNC · Lezhi

Navigating China's Government Information Disclosure System: A Guide for Foreign Founders

A practical overview of China's government information disclosure platform, including key regulations, planning documents, and annual reports, for foreign entrepreneurs setting up or operating a business in China.

Understanding China's Government Information Disclosure System

For foreign founders establishing a company in China, access to reliable government information is essential for compliance and strategic planning. The Chinese government operates a centralized platform for public information disclosure, which provides a framework for transparency and access to official documents. This article summarizes key aspects of that system based on information published on the official government website.

Key Regulations and Policies

The foundation of government information disclosure in China is the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China, which took effect on April 15, 2019. These regulations set out the obligations of government agencies to disclose information and the rights of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations to request information.

Several implementing measures and guidelines have been issued by the General Office of the State Council to clarify procedures:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (December 1, 2020) – specifies fees that may apply to information requests.
• Notice on Issuing the Measures for the Formulation of Provisions on Information Disclosure of Public Enterprises and Institutions (December 21, 2020) – addresses disclosure rules for public entities.
• Guiding Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Trial of Administrative Reconsideration Cases Involving Government Information Disclosure (January 4, 2022) – provides judicial guidance.
• Notice on the Format of Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure (September 29, 2021) – standardizes reporting.
• Notice on Matters Concerning the Standardization of Government Information Disclosure Platforms (December 3, 2019) – regulates platform operations.

Additionally, a series of interpretations from the State Council Office clarify practical issues such as:

• Handling information disclosure applications after institutional reforms (February 11, 2019).
• Channels for receiving applications (October 24, 2017).
• Determining the subject of reply to applications (October 24, 2017).
• Filling out annual report items (October 24, 2017).
• Delivery of decision notices (October 24, 2017).
• Distinguishing between information disclosure and business inquiry matters (October 24, 2017).

Foreign founders should be aware that these regulations govern how government agencies respond to requests for information, which can be useful for obtaining official documents relevant to business operations.

National Development Plans

The platform provides access to China's national economic and social development plans, which outline strategic priorities and can inform business planning. The available plans include:

• The 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (in progress).
• The 14th Five-Year Plan and 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.

These plans set out broad policy directions. Foreign founders may find them useful for understanding sectoral priorities and potential incentives, but they are high-level documents and not legally binding on businesses.

Sector-Specific Plans

In addition to overall plans, the platform 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).
• Plan for Intellectual Property Protection and Utilization (15th Five-Year Plan period).
• National Fitness Plan (2026–2030).
• Plan for Expanding Consumption (15th Five-Year Plan period).
• National Health Plan (15th Five-Year Plan period).
• Plan for the Revitalization and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (15th Five-Year Plan period).

These documents may be relevant for founders in related industries, as they indicate government focus areas.

Local Development Plans

The platform also provides links to local development plans for provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, including 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, and Xinjiang. Foreign founders should consult local plans when deciding where to establish operations, as regional priorities may vary.

Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure

The platform publishes annual reports on government information disclosure for various years, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. These reports are available for:

• Provincial-level governments – all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.
• Vertically managed systems – including the People's Bank of China, Customs, Taxation, Financial Supervision, Securities Regulatory, Meteorological, Grain and Strategic Reserves, Tobacco, Railway, Civil Aviation, Postal, Mining Safety, Fire Rescue, and Foreign Exchange systems.
• State Council departments – a comprehensive list of ministries and commissions, 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, People's Bank of China, State Taxation Administration, State Administration for Market Regulation, and many others.

These annual reports provide statistics on information disclosure activities, which can give foreign founders a sense of how actively government agencies disclose information and how they handle requests.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

While the platform itself is a repository of information, foreign founders can use it to:

• Understand the legal framework for requesting government information, which may be useful when seeking clarification on regulations or obtaining official documents.
• Stay informed about national and local development plans that could affect their industry.
• Access annual reports to gauge transparency and responsiveness of government agencies.

It is important to note that the platform is a portal; specific information requests must be directed to the relevant government agency according to published procedures. Foreign founders should consider engaging local legal counsel to navigate the process, as language and procedural nuances may present challenges.

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