China’s anti-corruption laws have been stringent for many years. On 1 January 1980, the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC Criminal Law”) containing the criminal offences of bribery and corruption came into effect, and later underwent a significant shift in 1997 with enhanced provisions on bribery and corruption offences. Further amendments to the PRC Criminal Law were enacted in 2015 and 2020 to update bribery and corruption provisions, respectively.

The enforcement of anti-corruption laws has become increasingly vigorous in recent years, particularly following President Xi Jinping’s commitment to curbing and eliminating corruption since coming to power in 2013. This commitment triggered the beginning of a new era, which champions an enhanced focus on and appreciation for the strength and breadth of Chinese anti-corruption laws.

Originally published by Global Legal Group Ltd. - December 2021.