Business | Code-breaking

China is overhauling its company law

Its leaders want to make business less volatile—and easier to control

Visitors salutes in front of a portrait of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Photograph: Getty Images

Last month China’s government implemented the most sweeping reform to company law in the country since the changes that were made following its accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001. The new rules are creating yet another headache for Chinese companies grappling with overcapacity and a slowing domestic economy. For their part, China’s leaders are betting that the new law will make business in the country less volatile—and easier for the Communist Party to control.

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This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Code-breaking”

From the August 10th 2024 edition

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