China Media Law Database

This database aims to provide an collection of English-language translations of the most important Chinese media policy laws and regulations, including those related to copyright. For most documents, the original Chinese version is also provided. This database is a work in progress, and new additions are made on a regular bases. Click here for the latest updates.

You can search the database by using the search field and drop-down menus in the side bar. You can also use the calendar, for ease of use, all documents are filed on their date of promulgation. Alternatively, documents can be listed by their issuing institution:

Laws
In the PRC, laws are approved by the National People’s Congress, the legislative body. This section also includes draft laws and pre-PRC laws.

Central Committee
The Party Central Committee is the highest Party organ, and contains a number of functional departments, including the Secretariat and the Central Propaganda Department. This section groups documents from all these departments.

National People’s Congress
Apart from laws, the NPC also can decide on resolutions and policy documents. These are listed here.

State Council
The State Council is China’s highest administrative authority. It oversees all ministries and commissions, and manages the higher levels of media regulation, as well as those policies that require coordination between different departments.

Supreme People’s Court
The SPC is China’s highest judicial authority. Apart from ruling cases, it issues interpretations which are guidelines to lower courts.

Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture manages the cultural market, a number of Internet-related aspects, as well as issues pertaining to theatre, music, art, etc.

Ministry of Commerce
The Ministry of Commerce manages China’s international trade, including trade in cultural products and services.

Public Security Bureau
The PSB is China’s law enforcement office, and is in charge of internal security.

State Administration of Radio, Film and Television
SARFT oversees all radio, film and television production and broadcast.

General Administration of Press and Publications
The GAPP is in charge of China’s news sector, to the extent that this is not subordinate to the Party, as well as all publishing, including books, electronic publications, Internet publications and audiovisual publications.

National Copyright Administration
The NCA, a department of the GAPP with independent powers, manages copyright-related matters.

State Administration of Industry and Commerce
SAIC is the licensing and administration body for all businesses operating on Chinese territory.

Also, all documents dating from before the reform era are listed under pre-’79 documents.

DISCLAIMER:This database is made available solely for the use of academic consultation and research. No liability for any use of this database or parts of it will be accepted. Before performing any legal activity or action, whether in China or elsewhere, always consult domestic licensed legal professionals. All translations are original, except where otherwise indicated. As original texts and official translations of Chinese laws and regulations are not protected under Chinese copyright law, their reproduction here is believed to be lawful. On all other translations, copyright applies.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Netherlands License.