BEIJING -- Lawmakers on Tuesday began reviewing a draft law on countering transnational corruption, a move to fill a legislative gap in China's efforts to combat cross-border corruption.

The formulation of the law is an important step by China to put in place a systematic and comprehensive foreign-related legal framework for anti-corruption, according to the top legislature.

The draft law was submitted for its first reading to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the top legislature.

The draft underscores China's firm stance against corruption, a move that safeguards the country's national security and development interests.

China has maintained a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and strengthened efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to engage in corrupt practices.

China has also been deepening its efforts in international anti-corruption cooperation, with 963 corrupt fugitives repatriated to the country in 2025, according to the country's top anti-graft body.

Structured into six chapters and 47 articles, the draft sets out the principles, scope and key positions underpinning China's efforts to combat cross-border corruption.

It also defines relevant operational mechanisms and institutional responsibilities, and seeks to strengthen case handling and international cooperation.

The draft further clarifies enterprises' obligations regarding integrity and compliance, and specifies legal liabilities for violations.

The draft law is a practical measure to regulate the development of cross-border businesses and help build a world-class business environment aligned with market principles, the rule of law and international standards.

China is a major trading partner for more than 160 countries and regions, and its total trade in goods had ranked first in the world for eight consecutive years as of 2024. By the end of 2025, Chinese investors had established more than 50,000 overseas enterprises across 190 countries and regions.

Creating a clean business environment is of great significance to expanding China's trade and supporting Chinese companies in international competition.

With China having signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations, the draft law will help ensure the sound and sustained development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The draft will encourage Chinese companies operating overseas to conduct business in a lawful, compliant and ethical manner, turning integrity into a key source of competitive strength.

The draft law is also expected to expand the legal tools available to combat cross-border corruption and help address challenges in detecting corruption, collecting evidence, recovering illicit assets and securing convictions.