China Amends Foreign Trade Law to Strengthen National Interests Protection

Beijing | EcoPulse24

China's parliament has approved new amendments to the Foreign Trade Law, in a move intended to enhance the protection of national sovereignty, security, and developmental interests, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The changes come amid escalating global trade tensions and evolving international trade rules.

The amendments feature expanded provisions to strengthen intellectual property rights protection and establish a trade adjustment assistance system. This system is designed to support affected companies and contribute to the stability of supply chains, a key focus of China's current economic policy.

This legislative overhaul is part of a broader effort to restructure the legal framework governing foreign trade, aiming to boost the competitiveness of Chinese exports and promote what Beijing describes as 'high-quality development' in foreign trade. These changes come as China faces mounting challenges from trade restrictions, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts affecting the global economy.

Xinhua noted that the revised law will take effect on March 1, 2026, and represents the second major revision to the legislation since its original adoption in 1994.

Analysts believe that updating the Foreign Trade Law reflects China's intent to align its economic regulations with global changes, while maintaining legal tools to protect its economic security and support sustainable trade growth, especially amid intensifying competition in global supply chains, technology, and cross-border commerce.