China releases regulations on Chinese employees of foreign diplomatic missions

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed an order of the State Council to issue a set of regulations on the management of Chinese citizens employed by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China.

These regulations, consisting of 12 articles, will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. They are designed to facilitate the performance of duties by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China while protecting the legal rights and interests of their Chinese employees.

The Chinese government provides convenience for the employment of Chinese employees by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in accordance with the law, the regulations read, while adding that such missions are obliged to respect Chinese laws and regulations and protect the lawful rights and interests of their Chinese staff.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for guiding and coordinating the administration of Chinese employees nationwide, according to the regulations.

After the new rules take effect, foreign missions will be required to hire Chinese employees through a human resources platform established by the Chinese foreign ministry. The missions will also need to sign service agreements with designated foreign affairs service agencies, which sign labor contracts with the Chinese employees of these missions.

Both the service agreements and labor contracts must contain provisions for the protection of employees' rights and interests.

These regulations also outline code of conduct stipulations, requiring Chinese employees working for foreign missions to abide by Chinese laws and regulations and refrain from conducting activities in the capacity of diplomatic agents or consular officers.