China’s data governance framework now sets clear and enforceable requirements for how information is collected, stored, and transferred, and for foreign-invested enterprises, compliance is a central factor in maintaining regulatory trust and business continuity. As the system continues to mature, detailed rules, technical standards, and sector-specific measures are defining what responsible data management looks like in practice.
In this report, ETL GLOBAL Member Dezan Shira & Associates examines the structure and direction of China’s data compliance regime. The publication analyses six key areas for 2025, including cross-border data transfers, consent management, compliance audits, and the management of important data. It also outlines how foreign businesses can adapt internal governance models to align with Chinese legal expectations while preserving global consistency.
For companies operating in China or managing data flows linked to China, understanding these requirements is essential to reducing risk and sustaining long-term compliance readiness.





