A revised law is expected to optimize China's trade development environment, while adding legal teeth to punishing entities that harm China's national interests.

The draft revision of the Foreign Trade Law was submitted for its first reading to the 17th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress earlier this week.

Spanning 11 chapters and 80 articles, the draft marks the most comprehensive revision since 2004, aimed at adapting to new global trade dynamics, codifying reform measures, and improving the trade environment.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, China has maintained its position as the world's largest trader of goods and the second-largest trader of services. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, who elaborated on the Foreign Trade Law revision on behalf of the State Council at the legislative session on Monday, stressed that as new trade models and practices flourish, the revision aims to solidify reform achievements through the rule of law.

The draft revision calls for stronger protection of intellectual property related to foreign trade, enhanced compliance and risk management for traders, the establishment of a trade adjustment assistance mechanism to stabilize supply chains, and legal backing for digital trade, cross-border service trade under a negative list system, and the development of a green trade framework.

To enhance China's trade regulations in response to evolving international market conditions, the draft introduces targeted countermeasures, including prohibiting or restricting trade with foreign individuals or organizations that harm China's sovereignty, security, or development interests; banning assistance to evade such countermeasures; and permitting other necessary actions to address national security concerns. If dispute settlement mechanisms under international treaties fail, the government may adopt responsive measures to safeguard China's interests.

During the group deliberations, the gathering agreed that the draft revisions are expected to respond effectively to the new demands and would better align China's trade policies with global trends, supporting the healthy development of foreign trade. Lawmakers called for more detailed provisions on digital and green trade, as well as stronger legal services and compliance guidance for enterprises to ensure the law's practical applicability.