Elements of information on China and enforcement of anti-corruption laws abroad
Query
China punishes corruption in China harshly. It has one of the largest Supreme Audit Institutions in the world and is also active in INTOSAI. Aid has been used and technical assistance provided to develop and strengthen procurement legislation and regulations in various countries. Question 1: Do you have any examples where UNCAC (or any other legal instrument/international convention) has been used in a dialogue with Chinese representatives? Does China have legislation forbidding Chinese companies bribing foreign officials? Are there any examples where China has pursued corrupt activities by Chinese companies outside China? In which international fora relevant to anti-corruption does China participate? Question 2: Do you know of any studies or research where issues around governance/anti-corruption and Chinese investments and trade particularly with Africa are being assessed? Are there any visible concerns in China on these matters? What role does the China Enterprise Confederation (CEC) play in this regard? Do you know of any experience from working with CEC in relation to anti-corruption and Chinese investments?Purpose
The query comes in light of Chinese involvement and investments in Africa being portrayed as something new and "fresh," providing Africa with opportunities that neither European private sector nor aid donors can.
Content
1. Chinese legislation on foreign bribery and other anti-corruption commitments
2. Governance and anti-corruption and Chinese investments and trade
3. Further reading
Caveat
In agreement with the enquirer, this U4 expert answer is only preliminary, pending more in-depth research that will address the inherent risks that Chinese investments represent for the integrity of national procurement legislations/rules. It provides elements of information on the very specific set of questions asked by the enquirer.
Author(s): Craig Fagan, Transparency International, cfagan@transparency.org
Reviewed by: Robin Hodess, Ph.D., Transparency International, rhodess@transparency.org
Publication date: 25 February 2011
Number: 272