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On 1 July 2023, the revised Law on Foreign Relations of the People's Republic of China [中华人民共和国对外关系法] came into force.
Its 45 articles are divided into six chapters: (1) General Principles; (2) Functions and Power for the Conduct of Foreign Relations; (3) Goals and Mission of Conducting Foreign Relations; (4) The System of Foreign Relations; (5) Support for the Conduct of Foreign Relations; and (6) Supplementary Provisions.
( 1) General Principles; Articles 1-8:
The General Principles describe what have become the much discussed cornerstones of Chinese foreign policy, now given formal status as or in law. The law is meant to apply to China's inter-governmental relations with states and international organizations (with an exception set out in articles 7-8). It ties the interpretation and manifestation of Chinese foreign relations to its political-economic model as set out in its state and Communist Party constitutions. It reinforces the now ancient five core principles of Chinese foreign policy objectives ("mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence" Article 4). It underscores that like all other aspects of social relations in China, foreign relations "is under the centralized and overall leadership of the Communist Party of China" (Article 5).
Articles 6-8 contain the most interesting provisions. Article 6 invests in all Chinese mass organizations, and devolves to all individuals the "responsibility and obligation to safeguard China’s sovereignty, national security, dignity, honor and interests in the course of international exchanges and cooperation." This codifies an element of policy already operationalized--that every individual and mass organization is itself understood as a representative of the nation; students, tourists, economic and social actors are all held to a standard of CPC guided behavior at home and abroad. Failure to abide by this expectation can result in sanction. Article 7 then extends the concept of Article 6 to people to people exchanges. Here the focus is on the project of foreign relations powers through states to individuals in foreign places. Article 8 then underscores the burden of being guided:Any organization or individual who commits acts that are detrimental to China’s national interests in violation of this Law and other applicable laws in the course of engaging in international exchanges shall be held accountable by law.This would appear to include anyone or collective with respect to which China may assert authority, including foreigners and foreign enterprises operating in China. It is not quite clear yet how that will work. It is likely to be aligned with the State Secrets Law and the Counter-espionage Law.
(2) Functions and Power for the Conduct of Foreign Relations; Articles 9-16.
These provisions vest a "central leading body for foreign affairs" with administrative authority to maange relevant work. It also reinforces the authority of the National People's Congress to ratify and denounce treaties "and other important agreements" (Article 10). The NCP also serves as the hub for people t people exchanges described in Article 7. Nonetheless "other central government departments" are also vested with some authority "according to their respective responsibilities" (Article 14). Likewise, sub-National administrative organs "shall carry out international exchanges and cooperation within the specific scope of mandate authorized by the central authorities" (Article 16). The authority of the President, the State Council, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are described generally. All of this, of course, is undertaken administratively under the guidance and leadership of the CPC, and subject to the overarching normative constraints of the "General Principles."
(3) Goals and Mission of Conducting Foreign Relations; Articles 17-28
These provisions are meant to rationalize and centralize the framework within which Chinese foreign policy may be developed and applied. Chinese foreign policy is the outward expression of its internal political-economic model as it evolves from one stage of historical development to another (Article 17). In the current era that outward expression has been aggregated in the "Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative" political lines (Article 18). That political line shapes both its relationship with inferior states, co-equal states; and the United States. (Ibid.). Chinese foreign policy exports a modified version of the mechanics of whole process democracy in its external relations (Article 19) grounded in and manifested through the UN system--with the rules of which China will strictly conform (Article 20). The commitment to development as a key element of international relations is underlined (Article 21); as is a Chinese and Socialist vision for international human rights.
The People’s Republic of China respects and protects human rights; it is committed to the principle of universality of human rights and its observance in light of the realities of countries. The People’s Republic of China promotes comprehensive and coordinated development of all human rights, carries out international exchanges and cooperation in the field of human rights on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and works for the sound development of the global cause of human rights. (Article 22; see also here).The remaining articles in this Chapter parallel Chinese international normative values transposes to the international sphere relating to ethno-cultural difference, diversity, inclusiveness, humanitarian responsibilities and, again, with a focus on "exchanges and cooperation in educational, science and technology, cultural, public health, sports, social, ecological, military, security, the rule of law and other fields." (Article 28).
(4) The System of Foreign Relations; Articles 29-39
These provisions are meant to sketch out the application of principles of Socialist Rule of Law from the national to the international sphere--and back again (article 29). The relationship between treaty and constitution is specified (Article 30) suggesting that treaty law is subject to both "the Constitution and other laws." Article 31 builds in a universal reservation to all of the Treaty law of China, as well as to the application of other international rules and laws within the Chinese domestic legal order: "The implementation and application of treaties and agreements shall not undermine the sovereignty of the State, national security and public interests." It is only within that reservation that China commits, in Article 32, to "strengthen the implementation and application of its laws and regulations in foreign-related fields in conformity with the fundamental principles of international law and fundamental norms governing international relations." Indeed, it is from that universal reservation that China grounds its right "to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, national security and development interests in violation of international law or fundamental norms governing international relations." (Article 33). This provision will likely serve as a blanket authority for the exercise of discretionary and administrative counter measures to sanctions regimes and other measures taken by foreign states (and principally the United States and its allies). The only exception are UN mandated sanctions (again subject to the universal reservation) and only to the extent they have "binding force adopted by the United Nations Security Council in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations" (Article 35). Foreign relations on the basis of the one China principle is specified in Article 34. Article 37 focuses on the protection fo foreign diplomatic personnel and property; Article 38 focuses on the right of Chine to protect the interests of its citizens and its property abroad. Foreigners and foreign organizations "shall abide by its laws, and shall not endanger China’s national security, undermine social and public interests or disrupt social and public order" (Ibid.). Again exchanges are emphasized, this time in the context of rule of law, law enforcement and the judicial field. (article 39) and international cooperation in the judicial, criminal and corruption fields (ibid.).
(5) Support for the Conduct of Foreign Relations; Articles 40-44
These provisions touch on institutional capacity building (article 40), funding (article 41); and capacity building in personnel (article 43). Articles 43 and 44 touch on communication and the proection of the Chinese foreign affairs voice by promoting public understanding at home (article 43), and strengthening the capacity for international communication abroad (article 44). Again, exchanges as well as communication are emphasized. The object here is to "enable the world to learn more about and better understand China, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations." (Ibid.).
(6) Supplementary Provisions.; Article 45.
The provision specifies that the law comes into force 1 July 2023.
The text of the law in the original Chinese, 中华人民共和国对外关系法, and an official translation,The Law on Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China, follows. Press commentary here, here, here, and here. Other resources here. The Chinese state press organ elaboration here.
中华人民共和国对外关系法
新华社北京6月28日电
中华人民共和国对外关系法
（2023年6月28日第十四届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第三次会议通过）
目录
第一章 总则
第二章 对外关系的职权
第三章 发展对外关系的目标任务
第四章 对外关系的制度
第五章 发展对外关系的保障
第六章 附则
第一章 总则
第一条 为了发展对外关系，维护国家主权、安全、发展利益，维护和发展人民利益，建设社会主义现代化强国，实现中华民族伟大复兴，促进世界和平与发展，推动构建人类命运共同体，根据宪法，制定本法。
第二条 中华人民共和国发展同各国的外交关系和经济、文化等各领域的交流与合作，发展同联合国等国际组织的关系，适用本法。
第三条 中华人民共和国坚持以马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，发展对外关系，促进友好交往。
第四条 中华人民共和国坚持独立自主的和平外交政策，坚持互相尊重主权和领土完整、互不侵犯、互不干涉内政、平等互利、和平共处的五项原则。
中华人民共和国坚持和平发展道路，坚持对外开放基本国策，奉行互利共赢开放战略。
中华人民共和国遵守联合国宪章宗旨和原则，维护世界和平与安全，促进全球共同发展，推动构建新型国际关系；主张以和平方式解决国际争端，反对在国际关系中使用武力或者以武力相威胁，反对霸权主义和强权政治；坚持国家不分大小、强弱、贫富一律平等，尊重各国人民自主选择的发展道路和社会制度。
第五条 中华人民共和国对外工作坚持中国共产党的集中统一领导。
第六条 国家机关和武装力量、各政党和各人民团体、企业事业组织和其他社会组织以及公民，在对外交流合作中有维护国家主权、安全、尊严、荣誉、利益的责任和义务。
第七条 国家鼓励积极开展民间对外友好交流合作。
对在对外交流合作中做出突出贡献者，按照国家有关规定给予表彰和奖励。
第八条 任何组织和个人违反本法和有关法律，在对外交往中从事损害国家利益活动的，依法追究法律责任。
第二章 对外关系的职权
第九条 中央外事工作领导机构负责对外工作的决策和议事协调，研究制定、指导实施国家对外战略和有关重大方针政策，负责对外工作的顶层设计、统筹协调、整体推进、督促落实。
第十条 全国人民代表大会及其常务委员会批准和废除同外国缔结的条约和重要协定，行使宪法和法律规定的对外关系职权。
全国人民代表大会及其常务委员会积极开展对外交往，加强同各国议会、国际和地区议会组织的交流与合作。
第十一条 中华人民共和国主席代表中华人民共和国，进行国事活动，行使宪法和法律规定的对外关系职权。
第十二条 国务院管理对外事务，同外国缔结条约和协定，行使宪法和法律规定的对外关系职权。
第十三条 中央军事委员会组织开展国际军事交流与合作，行使宪法和法律规定的对外关系职权。
第十四条 中华人民共和国外交部依法办理外交事务，承办党和国家领导人同外国领导人的外交往来事务。外交部加强对国家机关各部门、各地区对外交流合作的指导、协调、管理、服务。
中央和国家机关按照职责分工，开展对外交流合作。
第十五条 中华人民共和国驻外国的使馆、领馆以及常驻联合国和其他政府间国际组织的代表团等驻外外交机构对外代表中华人民共和国。
外交部统一领导驻外外交机构的工作。
第十六条 省、自治区、直辖市根据中央授权在特定范围内开展对外交流合作。
省、自治区、直辖市人民政府依职权处理本行政区域的对外交流合作事务。
第三章 发展对外关系的目标任务
第十七条 中华人民共和国发展对外关系，坚持维护中国特色社会主义制度，维护国家主权、统一和领土完整，服务国家经济社会发展。
第十八条 中华人民共和国推动践行全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，推进全方位、多层次、宽领域、立体化的对外工作布局。
中华人民共和国促进大国协调和良性互动，按照亲诚惠容理念和与邻为善、以邻为伴方针发展同周边国家关系，秉持真实亲诚理念和正确义利观同发展中国家团结合作，维护和践行多边主义，参与全球治理体系改革和建设。
第十九条 中华人民共和国维护以联合国为核心的国际体系，维护以国际法为基础的国际秩序，维护以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则。
中华人民共和国坚持共商共建共享的全球治理观，参与国际规则制定，推动国际关系民主化，推动经济全球化朝着开放、包容、普惠、平衡、共赢方向发展。
第二十条 中华人民共和国坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的全球安全观，加强国际安全合作，完善参与全球安全治理机制。
中华人民共和国履行联合国安全理事会常任理事国责任，维护国际和平与安全，维护联合国安全理事会权威与地位。
中华人民共和国支持和参与联合国安全理事会授权的维持和平行动，坚持维持和平行动基本原则，尊重主权国家领土完整与政治独立，保持公平立场。
中华人民共和国维护国际军备控制、裁军与防扩散体系，反对军备竞赛，反对和禁止一切形式的大规模杀伤性武器相关扩散活动，履行相关国际义务，开展防扩散国际合作。
第二十一条 中华人民共和国坚持公平普惠、开放合作、全面协调、创新联动的全球发展观，促进经济、社会、环境协调可持续发展和人的全面发展。
第二十二条 中华人民共和国尊重和保障人权，坚持人权的普遍性原则同本国实际相结合，促进人权全面协调发展，在平等和相互尊重的基础上开展人权领域国际交流与合作，推动国际人权事业健康发展。
第二十三条 中华人民共和国主张世界各国超越国家、民族、文化差异，弘扬和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值。
第二十四条 中华人民共和国坚持平等、互鉴、对话、包容的文明观，尊重文明多样性，推动不同文明交流对话。
第二十五条 中华人民共和国积极参与全球环境气候治理，加强绿色低碳国际合作，共谋全球生态文明建设，推动构建公平合理、合作共赢的全球环境气候治理体系。
第二十六条 中华人民共和国坚持推进高水平对外开放，发展对外贸易，积极促进和依法保护外商投资，鼓励开展对外投资等对外经济合作，推动共建“一带一路”高质量发展，维护多边贸易体制，反对单边主义和保护主义，推动建设开放型世界经济。
第二十七条 中华人民共和国通过经济、技术、物资、人才、管理等方式开展对外援助，促进发展中国家经济发展和社会进步，增强其自主可持续发展能力，推动国际发展合作。
中华人民共和国开展国际人道主义合作和援助，加强防灾减灾救灾国际合作，协助有关国家应对人道主义紧急状况。
中华人民共和国开展对外援助坚持尊重他国主权，不干涉他国内政，不附加任何政治条件。
第二十八条 中华人民共和国根据发展对外关系的需要，开展教育、科技、文化、卫生、体育、社会、生态、军事、安全、法治等领域交流合作。
第四章 对外关系的制度
第二十九条 国家统筹推进国内法治和涉外法治，加强涉外领域立法，加强涉外法治体系建设。
第三十条 国家依照宪法和法律缔结或者参加条约和协定，善意履行有关条约和协定规定的义务。
国家缔结或者参加的条约和协定不得同宪法相抵触。
第三十一条 国家采取适当措施实施和适用条约和协定。
条约和协定的实施和适用不得损害国家主权、安全和社会公共利益。
第三十二条 国家在遵守国际法基本原则和国际关系基本准则的基础上，加强涉外领域法律法规的实施和适用，并依法采取执法、司法等措施，维护国家主权、安全、发展利益，保护中国公民、组织合法权益。
第三十三条 对于违反国际法和国际关系基本准则，危害中华人民共和国主权、安全、发展利益的行为，中华人民共和国有权采取相应反制和限制措施。
国务院及其部门制定必要的行政法规、部门规章，建立相应工作制度和机制，加强部门协同配合，确定和实施有关反制和限制措施。
依据本条第一款、第二款作出的决定为最终决定。
第三十四条 中华人民共和国在一个中国原则基础上，按照和平共处五项原则同世界各国建立和发展外交关系。
中华人民共和国根据缔结或者参加的条约和协定、国际法基本原则和国际关系基本准则，有权采取变更或者终止外交、领事关系等必要外交行动。
第三十五条 国家采取措施执行联合国安全理事会根据联合国宪章第七章作出的具有约束力的制裁决议和相关措施。
对前款所述制裁决议和措施的执行，由外交部发出通知并予公告。国家有关部门和省、自治区、直辖市人民政府在各自职权范围内采取措施予以执行。
在中国境内的组织和个人应当遵守外交部公告内容和各部门、各地区有关措施，不得从事违反上述制裁决议和措施的行为。
第三十六条 中华人民共和国依据有关法律和缔结或者参加的条约和协定，给予外国外交机构、外国国家官员、国际组织及其官员相应的特权与豁免。
中华人民共和国依据有关法律和缔结或者参加的条约和协定，给予外国国家及其财产豁免。
第三十七条 国家依法采取必要措施，保护中国公民和组织在海外的安全和正当权益，保护国家的海外利益不受威胁和侵害。
国家加强海外利益保护体系、工作机制和能力建设。
第三十八条 中华人民共和国依法保护在中国境内的外国人和外国组织的合法权利和利益。
国家有权准许或者拒绝外国人入境、停留居留，依法对外国组织在境内的活动进行管理。
在中国境内的外国人和外国组织应当遵守中国法律，不得危害中国国家安全、损害社会公共利益、破坏社会公共秩序。
第三十九条 中华人民共和国加强多边双边法治对话，推进对外法治交流合作。
中华人民共和国根据缔结或者参加的条约和协定，或者按照平等互惠原则，同外国、国际组织在执法、司法领域开展国际合作。
国家深化拓展对外执法合作工作机制，完善司法协助体制机制，推进执法、司法领域国际合作。国家加强打击跨国犯罪、反腐败等国际合作。
第五章 发展对外关系的保障
第四十条 国家健全对外工作综合保障体系，增强发展对外关系、维护国家利益的能力。
第四十一条 国家保障对外工作所需经费，建立与发展对外关系需求和国民经济发展水平相适应的经费保障机制。
第四十二条 国家加强对外工作人才队伍建设，采取措施推动做好人才培养、使用、管理、服务、保障等工作。
第四十三条 国家通过多种形式促进社会公众理解和支持对外工作。
第四十四条 国家推进国际传播能力建设，推动世界更好了解和认识中国，促进人类文明交流互鉴。
第六章 附则
第四十五条 本法自2023年7月1日起施行。
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The Law on Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China
The Law on Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Third Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress on June 28, 2023)
Table of Contents
Chapter I General Principles
Chapter II Functions and Powers for the Conduct of Foreign Relations
Chapter III Goals and Mission of Conducting Foreign Relations
Chapter IV The System of Foreign Relations
Chapter V Support for the Conduct of Foreign Relations
Chapter VI Supplementary Provision
Chapter I
General Principles
Article 1 This Law is enacted pursuant to the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China to conduct foreign relations to:
safeguard China’s sovereignty, national security and development interests;
protect and promote the interests of the Chinese people;
build China into a great modernized socialist country;
realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation;
promote world peace and development; and
build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Article 2 This Law shall apply to the conduct by the People’s Republic of China of diplomatic relations with other countries, its exchanges and cooperation with them in the economic, cultural and other areas, and its relations with the United Nations and other international organizations.
Article 3 The People’s Republic of China conducts foreign relations and promotes friendly exchanges under the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Important Thinking of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Article 4 The People’s Republic of China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, and observes the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
The People’s Republic of China keeps to a path of peaceful development and adheres to the fundamental policy of opening to the outside world and a strategy of opening-up for mutual benefit.
The People’s Republic of China observes the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and endeavors to safeguard world peace and security, promote global common development, and build a new type of international relations. It is committed to settling international disputes by peaceful means and opposes the use of force or threat of force in international relations, hegemonism and power politics. It remains true to the principle that all countries are equal regardless of size, strength or level of development and respects the development paths and social systems decided upon independently by the people of all countries.
Article 5 The conduct of foreign relations by the People’s Republic of China is under the centralized and overall leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Article 6 The State institutions, armed forces, political parties, people’s organizations, enterprises, public institutions, other social organizations, and citizens have the responsibility and obligation to safeguard China’s sovereignty, national security, dignity, honor and interests in the course of international exchanges and cooperation.
Article 7 The State encourages friendly people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with foreign countries.
Those who make outstanding contribution to international exchanges and cooperation shall be honored and awarded pursuant to applicable regulations of the State.
Article 8 Any organization or individual who commits acts that are detrimental to China’s national interests in violation of this Law and other applicable laws in the course of engaging in international exchanges shall be held accountable by law.
Chapter II
Functions and Powers for the Conduct of Foreign Relations
Article 9 The central leading body for foreign affairs is responsible for policy making, deliberation and coordination relating to the conduct of foreign relations. It considers and formulates the State’s foreign relations strategy and related major principles and policies, and provides guidance for their implementation. It is responsible for top-level design, coordination and holistic advancement of work concerning foreign relations, and supervises its implementation.
Article 10 The National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee ratify or denounce treaties and important agreements concluded with other countries, and exercise functions and powers relating to foreign relations pursuant to the Constitution and other laws.
The National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee actively conduct international exchanges, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with parliaments of foreign countries as well as international and regional parliamentary organizations.
Article 11 The President of the People’s Republic of China represents the People’s Republic of China, conducts affairs of state, and exercises functions and powers relating to foreign relations pursuant to the Constitution and other laws.
Article 12 The State Council manages foreign affairs, concludes treaties and agreements with foreign countries, and exercises functions and powers relating to foreign relations pursuant to the Constitution and other laws.
Article 13 The Central Military Commission organizes and conducts international military exchanges and cooperation and exercises functions and powers relating to foreign relations pursuant to the Constitution and other laws.
Article 14 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China conducts foreign affairs in accordance with the law and undertakes matters relating to diplomatic exchanges of Party and State leaders with foreign leaders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs enhances guidance, coordination, management and service for international exchanges and cooperation conducted by other government departments and localities.
Other central and government departments conduct international exchanges and cooperation according to their respective scope of responsibilities.
Article 15 Diplomatic missions of the People’s Republic of China abroad, including embassies and consulates in foreign countries as well as permanent missions to the United Nations and other international intergovernmental organizations, represent the People’s Republic of China abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs exercises overall leadership over the work of Chinese diplomatic missions abroad.
Article 16 Provinces, autonomous regions and cities directly under central government jurisdiction shall carry out international exchanges and cooperation within the specific scope of mandate authorized by the central authorities.
People’s governments of provinces, autonomous regions and cities directly under central government jurisdiction shall manage matters relating to international exchanges and cooperation in areas under their administration in accordance with their functions and powers.
Chapter III
Goals and Mission of Conducting Foreign Relations
Article 17 The People’s Republic of China conducts foreign relations to uphold its system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, safeguard its sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity, and promote its economic and social development.
Article 18 The People’s Republic of China calls for putting into action the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and endeavors to advance a foreign affairs agenda on multiple fronts, at different levels, in various areas and of multiple dimensions.
The People’s Republic of China works to promote coordination and sound interaction with other major countries and grow relations with its neighboring countries in accordance with the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of enhancing friendship and partnership with its neighbors. Guided by the principle of sincerity, delivering outcomes, affinity and good faith and the vision of promoting common good and shared interests, it works to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries. The People’s Republic of China upholds and practices multilateralism and participates in the reform and development of the global governance system.
Article 19 The People’s Republic of China upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The People’s Republic of China stays true to the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits. It participates in the development of international rules, promotes democracy in international relations, and works for economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.
Article 20 The People’s Republic of China stays true to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable global security, and endeavors to strengthen international security cooperation and its participation in mechanisms of global security governance.
The People’s Republic of China fulfills its responsibilities as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council; it is committed to safeguarding international peace and security and upholding the authority and stature of the United Nations Security Council.
The People’s Republic of China supports and participates in peacekeeping operations mandated by the United Nations Security Council, observes the basic principles of the peacekeeping operations, respects the territorial integrity and political independence of sovereign countries concerned, and maintains a position of fairness.
The People’s Republic of China is committed to upholding international regimes of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It is against arms race; it opposes and prohibits proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in any form, fulfills relevant international obligations, and is engaged in international cooperation on non-proliferation.
Article 21 The People’s Republic of China stays true to the vision of global development which is equitable, inclusive, open, cooperative, comprehensive, well-coordinated, innovation-driven and interconnected. It endeavors to promote coordinated and sustainable development of the economy, the society and the environment and well-rounded human development.
Article 22 The People’s Republic of China respects and protects human rights; it is committed to the principle of universality of human rights and its observance in light of the realities of countries. The People’s Republic of China promotes comprehensive and coordinated development of all human rights, carries out international exchanges and cooperation in the field of human rights on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and works for the sound development of the global cause of human rights.
Article 23 The People’s Republic of China calls on all countries to rise above national, ethnic and cultural differences and uphold peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity.
Article 24 The People’s Republic of China stays true to the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, respects diversity of civilizations, and promotes exchanges and dialogue among civilizations.
Article 25 The People’s Republic of China plays an active part in global environmental and climate governance and endeavors to strengthen international cooperation on green and low-carbon development; it is committed to jointly enhancing global ecological conservation and building a global system of environmental and climate governance that is fair, equitable, cooperative and beneficial to all.
Article 26 The People’s Republic of China is committed to advancing high-standard opening-up. It develops foreign trade, actively promotes and protects, in accordance with the law, inbound foreign investment, encourages external economic cooperation including outbound investment, and promotes high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is committed to upholding the multilateral trading system, opposes unilateralism and protectionism, and works to build an open global economy.
Article 27 The People’s Republic of China provides foreign aid in the form of economic, technical, material, human resources, management, and other assistance to boost economic development and social advances of other developing countries, build up their capacity for sustainable development, and promote international development cooperation.
The People’s Republic of China carries out international humanitarian cooperation and assistance, strengthens international cooperation on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and helps recipient countries respond to humanitarian emergencies.
In providing foreign aid, the People’s Republic of China respects the sovereignty of recipient countries and does not interfere in their internal affairs or attach any political conditions to its aid.
Article 28 The People’s Republic of China carries out, as needed in the conduct of foreign relations, exchanges and cooperation in educational, science and technology, cultural, public health, sports, social, ecological, military, security, the rule of law and other fields.
Chapter IV
The System of Foreign Relations
Article 29 The State advances the rule of law in both domestic and foreign affairs and strengthens foreign-related legislative work and the system of rule of law in foreign affairs.
Article 30 The State concludes or accedes to treaties and agreements in accordance with the Constitution and other laws and fulfills in good faith obligations stipulated in such treaties and agreements.
Treaties and agreements that the State concludes or accedes to shall not contravene the Constitution.
Article 31 The State takes due measures to implement and apply treaties and agreements to which it is a Party.
The implementation and application of treaties and agreements shall not undermine the sovereignty of the State, national security and public interests.
Article 32 The State shall strengthen the implementation and application of its laws and regulations in foreign-related fields in conformity with the fundamental principles of international law and fundamental norms governing international relations. The State shall take law enforcement, judicial or other measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its sovereignty, national security and development interests and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations.
Article 33 The People’s Republic of China has the right to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, national security and development interests in violation of international law or fundamental norms governing international relations.
The State Council and its departments adopt administrative regulations and departmental rules as necessary, establish related working institutions and mechanisms, and strengthen inter-departmental coordination and cooperation to adopt and enforce measures mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Decisions made pursuant to the first and second paragraphs of this Article are final.
Article 34 The People’s Republic of China, on the basis of the one-China principle, establishes and develops diplomatic relations with other countries in accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
The People’s Republic of China, in accordance with treaties and agreements it concludes or accedes to as well as the fundamental principles of international law and fundamental norms governing international relations, may take diplomatic actions as necessary including changing or terminating diplomatic or consular relations with a foreign country.
Article 35 The State takes steps to implement sanction resolutions and relevant measures with binding force adopted by the United Nations Security Council in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues notices to release the sanction resolutions and measures mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The government departments concerned and the people’s governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and cities directly under central government jurisdiction shall take actions to implement such sanction resolutions and measures within the scope of their respective functions and powers.
Organizations and individuals in the Chinese territory shall comply with the notices issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related actions taken by government departments and localities, and shall not engage in any activity in violation of the above-mentioned sanction resolutions and measures.
Article 36 The People’s Republic of China confers privileges and immunities to diplomatic institutions and officials of other countries, and to international organizations and their officials in accordance with relevant laws as well as treaties and agreements it concludes or accedes to.
The People’s Republic of China confers immunities to foreign states and their properties in accordance with relevant laws as well as treaties and agreements it concludes or accedes to.
Article 37 The State shall take measures as necessary in accordance with the law to protect the safety, security, and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations overseas and safeguard China’s overseas interests against any threat or infringement.
The State shall strengthen the systems and working mechanisms and build the capacity to protect its overseas interests.
Article 38 The People’s Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals and foreign organizations in its territory in accordance with the law.
The State has the power to permit or deny a foreign national entry, stay or residence in its territory, and regulates, in accordance with the law, activities carried out in its territory by foreign organizations.
Foreign nationals and foreign organizations in the territory of China shall abide by its laws, and shall not endanger China’s national security, undermine social and public interests or disrupt social and public order.
Article 39 The People’s Republic of China strengthens multilateral and bilateral dialogue on the rule of law and promotes international exchanges and cooperation on the rule of law.
The People’s Republic of China shall engage in international cooperation in law enforcement and judicial fields with other countries and international organizations in accordance with treaties and agreements it concludes or accedes to or in line with the principles of equality and reciprocity.
The State strengthens and expands its working mechanisms for international cooperation in law enforcement, improves its systems and mechanisms for judicial assistance, and promotes international cooperation in law enforcement and judicial fields. The State strengthens international cooperation in areas such as combating transnational crimes and corruption.
Chapter V
Support for the Conduct of Foreign Relations
Article 40 The State shall improve its system of integrated support for conducting foreign relations and strengthen its capacity to conduct foreign relations and safeguard national interests.
Article 41 The State shall provide funding required for conducting foreign relations and establish a funding mechanism that meets the need of conducting foreign relations and is commensurate with China’s economic development.
Article 42 The State shall strengthen capacity building of personnel working in foreign relations and take effective steps in related work such as training, employment, management, service and support.
Article 43 The State shall promote public understanding of and support for its conduct of foreign relations through various forms.
Article 44 The State shall strengthen capacity building for international communication, enable the world to learn more about and better understand China, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations.
Chapter VI
Supplementary Provision
Article 45 This Law shall come into force on July 1, 2023.
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