China enhances anti-corruption efforts with expanded powers for graft watchdog
The revised Supervision Law introduces new measures such as "compulsory appearance," "orders to remain available for investigation," and "custodial care."
Alpha Desk
June 05, 2025 / 13:04 IST
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(Representative Image)
China is intensifying its fight against corruption by granting its primary graft watchdog, the National Supervisory Commission (NSC), enhanced investigative powers and extending detention limits, reported Caixin global. These changes came into effect on June 1, 2025, with the revised Supervision Law.The revised Supervision Law introduces new measures such as "compulsory appearance," "orders to remain available for investigation," and "custodial care." These supplement the existing "liuzhi" (retention in custody) practice. The maximum detention period can now extend from six months to a potential 14 months if new major crimes are discovered during the investigation, the report further said. Authorized by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in December 2024, these revisions mark the first comprehensive changes to the Supervision Law since 2018. The NSC has also issued supplementary operational rules to clarify the new legal provisions. These rules were released on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The aim is to refine investigative procedures, strengthen accountability, and optimize the tools available to anti-corruption authorities. The law includes protections for property rights and business operations. However, concerns have been raised regarding the absence of provisions for legal counsel for detainees. Key aspects of the revised Supervision Law include:
New Investigative Measures: Introduction of "compulsory appearance," "orders to remain available for investigation," and "custodial care."
Extended Detention Limits: Maximum detention period extended from six months to a potential 14 months under specific conditions.
Operational Rules: The National Supervisory Commission released a set of new rules to provide operational details supplementing the revised Supervision Law on June 1, 2025.
Protections: Reinforces civilized investigative conduct, prohibits violence, and incorporates explicit protections for property rights and business operations.
Concerns: Absence of provisions for legal counsel for detainees.
