China Country Report

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is a large country in East Asia that spans a vast array of different regions and cultures which are collectively governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As the world’s most populous country and a leading economic powerhouse, China has become increasingly ambitious on the world stage under its current President Xi Jinping. Beijing’s growing assertiveness has led to more fraught relations with some of its international partners, notably the US, with the two countries’ battle over market access and advanced technologies likely to continue to generate geopolitical risks in the long term.

Over the last four decades, China has gone through a process of rapid economic development driven by exports and its globally dominant manufacturing industry. China is selectively open to foreign investors. The CCP has pursued a dual-track reform program encouraging private sector growth while maintaining a strong state presence; companies operating in certain strategic sectors are mandated to form joint ventures with local companies. Despite improvements, concerns over effectively protecting intellectual property rights and navigating policies providing advantages to domestic firms remain significant challenges to those seeking to do business in the country.

China’s infrastructure is sophisticated in urban areas but is less developed in more rural areas. The primary threats to foreign travelers include petty and opportunistic theft as well as environmental hazards. Ethnic tensions in the Tibet and Xinjiang autonomous regions occasionally cause violence, although they usually do not pose a direct threat to foreigners.

Tensions exist both domestically and internationally over a number of disputed territories, although these are unlikely to escalate into outright conflict in the short term. While overall crime rates remain generally low, incidents of opportunistic and non-violent crime could affect visitors to main urban centers, which poses the primary threat to foreign nationals. China experiences sporadic civil unrest, driven by various socioeconomic and political grievances, and authorities often respond with a rigorous security response.

There are no major safety concerns over air travel in China, although flight delays are frequent and operators and flight crews may not speak English. Rail travel is generally safe and offers a more reliable transport means compared to air travel.

Road travel is hazardous in some areas due to localized extreme weather, dangerous driving habits, and lax enforcement of traffic rules.

The ports in China are efficient and busy.

Water, electricity, and fuel supplies are readily available in most major cities and towns, and communications networks are generally reliable.

Cybersecurity and personal data protection frameworks are consistently evolving, though cybercrime remains a notable concern.

Due to its geographical and topographical orientation, some regions of China are prone to a range of natural hazards. The southwest of the country is susceptible to seismic activity and has experienced a number of devastating earthquakes, whilst China’s southern and eastern coastal regions are highly susceptible to devastating storms during the rainy season from May to September. Deadly accidents resulting from inadequate safety standards also occur intermittently, while environmental air and water pollution remains a significant concern in major industrialized areas.

China has several diseases and health threats, including dengue and Japanese encephalitis. Outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease occur intermittently. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. The quality of healthcare services is adequate in major urban centers. However, medical infrastructure may be challenged, inadequate, or absent outside major cities and in rural areas. Cash payment upfront is required for all healthcare services rendered. Tap water is unsafe to drink.

President Xi Jinping further consolidated power after securing a third term at the ruling Communist Party of China (CCP) Congress in October 2022 and is not expected to face any challenges to his leadership in the medium term. The implementation of various anti-corruption laws, regulations and institutions, has caused a downward trend in corruption in recent years. Although the country's constitution acknowledges the principle of judicial independence, party-linked bodies retain influence on the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges. There is also a lack of transparency in court proceedings of sensitive cases like those involving political dissidents.