Published by ChinaMNC · Jinchuan

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

A practical overview of China's government information disclosure framework, including the 2019 Regulation, annual reporting requirements, and how foreign founders can use these resources when registering or operating a company in China.

Why Government Information Disclosure Matters for Foreign Founders

When setting up or running a company in China, access to official government information is essential. It helps you understand regulations, track policy changes, and ensure compliance. China's government information disclosure system, governed by the 2019 Regulation on the Disclosure of Government Information (effective April 15, 2019), provides a structured way to obtain such information. For foreign founders, knowing how this system works can save time and reduce uncertainty.

Key Components of the Disclosure System

The State Council General Office has issued several notices to clarify and standardize the disclosure process. These include:

• Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees (December 1, 2020) – sets rules for fees that may apply when processing information requests.
• Notice on the Format of Annual Reports on Government Information Disclosure (September 29, 2021) – standardizes how annual reports are prepared.
• Notice on Matters Related to Standardizing Government Information Disclosure Platforms (December 3, 2019) – provides guidance on how disclosure platforms should be organized.
• Interpretations on Various Issues – covering topics such as receiving requests, responding to requests, and distinguishing between information disclosure and general inquiries.

These documents form the backbone of the system and are available on the central government website.

How to Access Government Information

The government discloses information proactively and also accepts requests. Proactive disclosure covers areas such as development plans, regulations, and annual reports. If you need specific information, you can file a request. The system includes interpretations on:

• Receiving channels – how and where to submit requests.
• Response subjects – which agency is responsible for responding.
• Delivery of decisions – how decisions are communicated.
• Boundary with business queries – clarifying what constitutes a disclosure request versus a general inquiry.

Understanding these points can help foreign founders navigate the process more effectively.

Annual Reports: A Resource for Transparency

Each year, government agencies at various levels publish annual reports on their information disclosure work. These reports are available from 2020 onwards (with some earlier years) and cover:

• Provincial and municipal governments – all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.
• Vertical systems – such as the People's Bank of China, customs, taxation, financial regulation, securities, meteorology, food 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 Commerce, State Taxation Administration, and many others.

These reports can provide insights into how agencies handle disclosure and what information is available.

Development Plans and Specialized Planning

The website also hosts national and local development plans, which are relevant for understanding policy direction. For example:

• National economic and social development five-year plans – from the 10th to the 15th five-year plan.
• Specialized plans – such as those on intellectual property protection and utilization, national fitness, expanding consumption, national health, and traditional Chinese medicine revitalization.
• Local development plans – for each province, autonomous region, and municipality.

Foreign founders can use these plans to align their business strategies with national and local priorities.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

To make the most of the disclosure system:

• Check the central government website (gov.cn) for proactive disclosures. The information is organized by category, such as policy, plans, and annual reports.
• Use the search function – if you cannot find what you need, try simplifying keywords or using synonyms.
• Submit a request if the information is not proactively disclosed. Follow the guidelines on receiving channels and response subjects.
• Consult annual reports to understand what types of information are typically available and how agencies perform.

While the system is designed to be accessible, language barriers and procedural details may pose challenges. Working with local experts can help.

Conclusion

China's government information disclosure system offers foreign founders a way to obtain official information necessary for compliance and strategic planning. By understanding the key regulations and utilizing available resources, you can navigate the landscape more confidently.

For personalized assistance with company registration and operations 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.