China has adopted a new law to combat cross-border corruption, extending its anti-graft campaign beyond its borders and placing new compliance duties on companies operating overseas.

The legislation was passed on Friday 6 November by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state news agency Xinhua reported. It contains 47 articles across six chapters covering anti-corruption mechanisms, case handling, international cooperation, integrity and compliance, and legal liability.

The law aims to prevent and punish corruption involving activities across national borders, deepen international anti-corruption cooperation, and safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests. It also backs the building of what Xinhua described as a fairer global anti-corruption governance system.

A draft was first reviewed in August 2025 and revised this month to broaden its scope. Top anti-corruption official Li Xi wrote in the Communist Party's People's Daily on 5 November that the legislation was needed to strengthen efforts to track down fugitives, prevent flight and recover illicit assets.

New duties for companies

Chinese companies engaged in cross-border business must establish anti-corruption compliance functions proportionate to their size, business activities and risk exposure. The requirement extends to private firms, not only state-owned enterprises and public officials.

The revisions also tighten confidentiality requirements, obliging investigators to protect state secrets, commercial secrets and personal data obtained during probes.

Tackling corruption has been one of the signature themes of President Xi Jinping's leadership. The law took effect on the day it was passed, according to reports citing Xinhua.