China introduces draft amendments to protect platform companies going global

China released on Saturday draft amendments to its e-commerce law for public consultation, introducing new measures to support platform companies expanding overseas and protect their interests in international markets.

The draft revisions, jointly released by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Commerce, are open for public comment until Aug 4.

The changes are aimed at better safeguarding the rights of businesses and consumers, clarifying the responsibilities of participants in the platform economy and promoting the sector's healthy and sustainable development, the SAMR said.

The proposed amendments would expand the scope of the law beyond e-commerce platforms to more clearly define the rights and obligations of other participants in the platform economy, reflecting the increasingly complex ecosystem of digital services and online marketplaces.

Recognizing that many platform companies now operate across multiple sectors, the proposal calls for closer coordination among regulators and greater consistency in the supervision of online and offline businesses. It also aims to strengthen cooperation between central and local authorities to improve oversight of the platform economy.

The draft also underscores Beijing's support for the international expansion of Chinese e-commerce companies. It proposes aligning China's rules, standards and regulatory framework more closely with international practices, encouraging industry self-regulation and facilitating the orderly overseas expansion of platform businesses.

In a sign of China's growing focus on external commercial risks, the proposal also includes provisions for countermeasures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies operating abroad.