China adopts law to strengthen public interest litigation

China's top legislature on Friday adopted a law on procuratorial public interest litigation, aiming to strengthen the legal protection of national and public interests.

The law was passed at the 25th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and will take effect on Jan 1, 2027.

Comprising 53 articles across six chapters, the law covers general provisions, jurisdiction, case filing and investigation, litigation procedures, trials, enforcement and supplementary provisions.

It clarifies the scope of administrative and civil public interest litigation initiated by procuratorates, as well as the content and procedures of procuratorial recommendations issued before litigation.

The law also specifies how its provisions align with other relevant legislations, providing a clearer legal framework for procuratorates to pursue public interest cases.