China's top legislative body has initiated a sweeping revision of its Foreign Trade Law, marking the first comprehensive update in two decades. The draft, reviewed this week by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, seeks to modernize trade regulations amid shifting global dynamics while strengthening legal safeguards for national interests.
The proposed changes span 11 chapters and 80 articles, addressing emerging challenges from digital commerce to green trade frameworks. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao emphasized the need to codify recent reform achievements, noting China's continued dominance as the world's largest goods trader and second-largest services trader.
Key provisions include:
Enhanced intellectual property protection for trade-related assets
New compliance requirements for risk management and supply chain stability
Legal frameworks for digital trade and cross-border service negative lists
Measures to restrict trade with entities threatening China's sovereignty or security
The draft introduces mechanisms for responding to international trade disputes, including countermeasures when treaty-based resolution attempts fail. Lawmakers during deliberations highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on green trade initiatives and improved legal support for enterprises navigating complex global markets.
Analysts suggest the revisions could strengthen China's position in high-value sectors while addressing growing concerns about supply chain resilience and technological competition. The proposed law now enters further review stages, with implementation expected to shape Asia's trade landscape for years to come.
