The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is soliciting public comment on proposed rules (Interim Measures) that would open Chinese futures markets to direct trading by non-Chinese persons apparently for both speculative and hedging purposes.

The Interim Measures, if adopted, will permit certain foreign persons and brokerage firms (defined respectively as Overseas Traders and Overseas Brokers) to trade "Specific Futures Contracts" that will be designated by the CSRC and listed for trading on China's futures exchanges. CSRC published the Interim Measures on December 31, 2014, and comments are due by January 31, 2015 in China (this likely means by 11:00 a.m. (ET) on January 31 in light of the time differences).