China’s Anti-Corruption Law Faces Major Amendments: Balancing Bail Options with Extended Lawyer Restrictions

China is set to update its anti-corruption legislation for the first time, introducing modifications that would permit bail for suspects during investigations while concurrently lengthening the duration they may be held without access to legal representation.

China plans to revise its anti-corruption legislation, introducing provisions for bail for those accused of corruption while under investigation, yet simultaneously increasing the length of time these suspects can be held without legal counsel.

During its four-day meeting, which concluded on Friday, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's highest legislative organ, was examining a proposed revision to the Supervision Law, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua.

This marks the first proposed change to the law since its inception in March 2018. The proposal was released on the National People's Congress (NPC) website Friday afternoon, kicking off a month-long period for public input.

The Xinhua article did not specify the exact time or confirm if the standing committee would pass the amendments, though typically, legislative changes are approved following three readings.

Several attorneys have expressed concerns that the proposed legislation does not offer them additional flexibility in representing their clients, yet it enhances the investigative capabilities of anti-corruption bodies.