A series of new laws and regulations will take effect in China starting in January 2026, focusing on various social sectors such as public security, cybersecurity, and national park development.

In the area of public security, China’s revised Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security will come into effect. For the first time, it introduces a new “sealing system” on administrative offense records at the statutory level, aiming to bring a wider range of behaviours affecting public order under legal governance. 
 
To strengthen the prevention and management of juvenile delinquency, the revised law stipulates that administrative detention may be lawfully imposed on individuals aged 14 to 16, as well as those aged 16 to 18 who commit a first-time but severe or egregious violation of public security administration. Individuals aged 14 to 16 with two or more violations within one year may also be subject to administrative detention. 

Acts such as cheating on exams, engaging in activities that undermine the protection of martyrs and allowing unauthorized drone flights will also be subject to administrative penalties.

Addressing cybersecurity norms in the AI era, the newly amended Cybersecurity Law takes effect on Thursday. It stipulates that the state supports fundamental theoretical research and key technology development in the AI sector, including algorithms, while also strengthening AI ethics governance. 

Also aimed at fostering a healthy online environment, China’s revised Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language will take effect to regulate language and script usage in cyberspace. It stipulates those online publications, such as games, should use standard spoken and written Chinese as their primary language.

In the economic and industrial sector, the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law takes effect on Thursday, detailing provisions on taxable amounts, tax incentives and other aspects. 

Promoted by China, the world’s first mandatory standard on electric vehicle energy consumption limits has also taken effect. The standard requires manufacturers to carry out necessary technological upgrades for newly produced vehicles, such as improving the driving range without increasing battery capacity.

Focusing on improving people’s livelihoods, newly implemented preschool education regulations stipulate that kindergartens may charge only five categories of fees: childcare and education fees, accommodation fees, service charges, agency fees and childcare fees. In addition, the VAT policy on personal housing transactions has been adjusted, clarifying that the sale of homes held for two years or more is now exempt from VAT.

Other new laws addressing national park development and food security have also taken effect. Among them, the National Park Law, the country’s first specialized legislation on national parks, has taken effect, encouraging public participation in national park conservation. The law also promotes the establishment of free public open days at national parks and supports the creation of regional public brands for distinctive ecological products from these areas.

So far, China has five officially established national parks and 49 proposed candidate areas for national parks construction. Noting that the system of China’s national parks is fundamentally a “public welfare endeavor for environmental conservation,” natural resource expert Li Junsheng, told the Global Times that the implementation of the law will better mobilize societal-level powers to strengthen park management.

 “Without this law, there would be no clear framework to balance conservation and utilization of [national] parks’ natural resources,” Li added.

Global Times