China launches Fatong legal services platform for businesses and citizens going abroad
In short
China's Justice Ministry announced the launch of Fatong (法通), a nationwide platform for foreign-related legal services, on October 10. It has ten functions, including legal searches, country and regional guides, information on legal service providers and personalised legal consultations.
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China's Justice Ministry announced on October 10 that Fatong (法通), a nationwide platform for foreign-related legal services, had officially launched. The announcement came at a morning news conference on strengthening foreign-related legal services and launching the platform. Fatong currently has ten functions and is primarily aimed at businesses and citizens going abroad, according to CLS and Jiemian. [ 2 , 4 ]
Its services include searches for foreign-related laws and regulations, legal guides by region and country, and searches for laws in other jurisdictions. Users can also look up information on foreign-related legal service institutions and personnel. Intelligent searches and personalised legal consultations are among the functions described in the reports. The ministry said it would use the platform to further strengthen the foreign-related legal services system. [ 2 , 4 ]
The ministry plans to improve content quality and promptly update laws and regulations, legal guides and information on service providers and personnel. It also intends to strengthen review of newly published resources. Resources urgently needed by businesses expanding abroad will be reinforced, with a focus on investment, trade and labour matters in priority regions and countries. This includes adding laws and regulations, legal guides, typical cases and authoritative explanations. [ 2 , 4 ]
Fatong will provide services through computers, mobile devices, a WeChat mini-programme and a mobile application that is due to launch. The ministry also plans to improve page design, search functions and consultation procedures. It said it would strengthen training of the Faxiaotong (法小通) artificial intelligence agent in an effort to provide more specialised, convenient and high-quality foreign-related legal services. [ 2 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The platform primarily serves businesses and citizens going abroad. The ministry plans to expand resources for investment, trade and labour matters in priority countries and regions.
Key facts
- Fatong (法通) officially launched on October 10. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The platform currently has ten functions. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Services include legal searches, country and regional guides and personalised legal consultations. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The ministry plans to add resources for investment, trade and labour matters. [ 2 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Nothing is confirmed by two independent outlets yet.
Still unclear
- The Justice Ministry announced Fatong's launch on October 10. Reported by a single source so far
- The platform primarily serves businesses and citizens going abroad. Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- On October 10, CLS reported the platform's launch and the ministry's development plans. [ 2 ]