On June 27, 2025, China’s top legislative body approved the most comprehensive revision to the Public Security Administration Punishment Law in nearly twenty years. The updated law expands from 114 to 144 articles and will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. This major overhaul introduces new rules addressing digital-era misconduct, campus bullying, drone safety, and public order. Below are the nine most important changes.

1. Clear Definition of Legitimate Self-Defense: “Fighting Back ≠ Mutual Assault”

For the first time, the law explicitly recognizes legitimate self-defense, ending the long-criticized practice of penalizing victims and attackers equally.

Key points:

• Stopping an ongoing unlawful attack—even if harm occurs—does not constitute a violation.
• Excessive defense may still be penalized, but circumstances will be considered.
• Police must conduct thorough investigations to identify true aggressors, shifting away from the “both parties punished” model.

2. Stronger Governance of Campus Bullying Through Police–School Collaboration

Campus bullying is now formally integrated into public security management.

Highlights:

• Police must investigate and penalize acts of violence, humiliation, or threats among students, supplemented by corrective education.
• Schools that conceal or mishandle severe bullying cases will be ordered to rectify issues, and responsible staff may face consequences.
• The approach shifts from school-only mediation to systematic joint intervention.

3. Closing Legal Gaps to Address Emerging Social Risks

The revised law targets dangerous behaviors that previously lacked clear regulation:

• Throwing objects from height: Punishable even without causing injury.
• Unlicensed drone flights: Police may penalize flights disrupting public safety or airspace.
• Forcing minors into paid companionship in entertainment venues: Strict punishment introduced.
• Dangerous dog management:
  • First offense: Warning
  • Repeated violations or injury: Up to 5 days’ detention or RMB 1,000 fine
  • Serious cases: 5–10 days’ detention

4. Promoting “Transparent Law Enforcement” to Prevent Abuse of Power

The revision strengthens oversight of police conduct:

• Mandatory full audio and video recording during interrogations, on-site inspections, and single-officer interactions.
• Officers must present a unified People’s Police ID; other documents are invalid.
• Single-officer law enforcement limited to special conditions.
• Mediation must be legal, voluntary, fair, and timely—forced settlements are prohibited.

5. Modernizing Public Security Management for the Digital Era

New provisions address misconduct arising in modern society:

• Public order violations: Exam cheating, pyramid schemes, defamation of heroes and martyrs.
• Public safety threats: Distracted driving with electronic devices, drone misuse, object-throwing.
• Personal rights violations: Abuse of dependents, leaking personal data.
• Social management violations: Coercing minors into entertainment work, unlicensed high-risk business activity.

6. Enhanced Procedural Justice Through Multi-Level Oversight

To improve fairness and accountability, the law introduces:

• Mandatory recording and filing of on-site seizures.
• Requirement for officers to display identification during enforcement.
• Strict rules limiting single-officer enforcement scenarios.
• Clear mediation principles emphasizing fairness and voluntariness.

These measures aim to reduce arbitrary law enforcement and boost public trust.

7. Tougher Penalties for High-Risk Industries

In addition to fines, warnings, detention, and license revocation, the updated law adds:

• Orders to suspend business operations.
• A 1–3 year ban on reapplying for a license after revocation.

These penalties mainly target repeat offenders in nightlife and entertainment industries associated with drugs, prostitution, or disorderly activities.

8. Extended Statute of Limitations to Avoid Accountability Gaps

The revised law corrects previous loopholes:

• Old rule: No penalties if violations were not discovered within six months.
• New rule: If police fail to act after receiving a timely report, the time limit no longer applies.

This ensures enforcement responsibilities are fulfilled while balancing offenders’ rights.

9. Record Sealing System for Minor Violations to Support Rehabilitation

For the first time, the law introduces record sealing for minor offenses:

• Sealed records are not disclosed to individuals or organizations.
• Only authorized state agencies may access them for official use.
• Strict confidentiality requirements apply.

This system helps minor offenders reintegrate into society and promotes a more humane justice approach.