China issues rules on Chinese employees in foreign diplomatic missions

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

The 12-article regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to facilitate the recruitment of Chinese citizens by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China while safeguarding the legal rights and interests of Chinese employees.

According to the regulatory document, foreign diplomatic missions hiring Chinese citizens must post job and recruitment information on a platform established by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Such missions should also sign service agreements with agencies appointed by local foreign affairs offices and departments, clarifying issues such as the rights and interests of Chinese employees, the regulations state.