China’s top legislative body began its first review of a draft cross-border anti-corruption law in late August 2026, during a session of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee held on August 25 [1]. State media confirmed that the review continued on August 26, highlighting the government's focus on combating corruption beyond its borders [2, 3].

The draft law aims to enhance China’s legal framework for pursuing corrupt officials overseas, repatriating fugitives, and recovering illicit assets. It consists of six chapters and 47 articles detailing principles, scope, institutional duties, and procedures for cross-border anti-corruption measures [3, 1]. Officials said it will fill gaps in China’s foreign-related legal system, better protect national interests, and support compliant overseas business activities [3].

Under the draft, domestic companies operating abroad would face strict compliance requirements, promoting a market-oriented, law-based international business environment, according to the South China Morning Post [1]. Xinhua News Agency said the legislation would help "prevent and punish cross-border corruption and deepen international anti-corruption cooperation" [2].

Since 2012, President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has repatriated over 3,000 former officials from some 120 countries and recovered roughly US$10 billion in illicit assets since 2015 [2]. Official tallies show that 62 of the 100 most wanted suspected fugitive corrupt officials have been returned to China [2].

Some foreign governments and human rights groups have raised concerns that certain Chinese overseas fugitive recovery operations involve unauthorized surveillance, harassment, and bypass formal extradition procedures, officials noted [2]. Nevertheless, the draft law aims to clarify legal standards and institutional responsibilities for such efforts.

This draft law is one of eight bills and amendments currently under review by the Standing Committee in late August 2026 [1]. The committee’s ongoing deliberations will determine the next steps for the legislation’s adoption.

The legislature will continue examining the draft and other bills as part of the broader session scheduled to conclude later this month [1].