China officially implemented the “Regulations Against Foreign Improper Extraterritorial Jurisdiction” today, establishing a legal framework to counter what Beijing considers overreaching foreign sanctions. The move comes just ahead of an anticipated summit between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Trump, scheduled for May 14–15 in Beijing, and is widely seen as a pointed warning signal.
Signed by Premier Li Qiang and published by Xinhua on April 13, the regulations take effect immediately upon publication. The stated aim is to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests, protect the lawful rights of Chinese citizens and organizations, and uphold an international order grounded in international law.
The regulations, comprising 20 articles, establish three main pillars. First, they define the scope of application: when a foreign government violates international law and basic norms of international relations through improper extraterritorial measures that harm China’s interests, Beijing reserves the right to respond — including by asserting its own extraterritorial jurisdiction over conduct with an appropriate connection to China.
Second, the regulations create a system to identify, block, and counter such foreign measures. No organization or individual may execute or assist in enforcing foreign extraterritorial measures against China. A “malicious entity list” will be established targeting foreign organizations and individuals who promote or participate in such measures, along with a prohibition order system and corresponding legal liabilities.
Third, the regulations strengthen support mechanisms, allowing Chinese citizens and organizations to sue parties whose enforcement of foreign measures infringes on their lawful rights. Industry associations are also called upon to provide guidance to members.
Countermeasures available to the Chinese government include visa denials, entry bans, deportation, asset freezes, restrictions on transactions and investment, import and export prohibitions, and fines, among other steps.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), April 13, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202604130309.aspx