The newly revised "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language" has been issued.

On December 27, 2025, the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress voted to adopt the newly revised "Law on the National Common Language of the People's Republic of China," which will take effect on January 1, 2026. Promoting and popularizing the national common language and script is a fundamental undertaking concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, and is an important means to strengthen the common identity of the Chinese nation. Since its promulgation in 2000, the Law on the National Common Language and Script has effectively promoted the popularization and standard use of the national common language and script, and has also played an important role in promoting education, culture, science and technology, economic development, and social progress. Over the past twenty-five years, profound changes have taken place in the social language life of China, significant achievements have been made in the language and script industry, but at the same time, some new situations and challenges have arisen, making it necessary to revise and improve the existing laws. This revision fully implements the important instructions and guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping on language and script work, follows the laws of language and script development, summarizes practical experience, and focuses on solving prominent issues in the application and management of language and script. The revised law consists of 5 chapters and 32 articles, mainly making the following four modifications: Firstly, strengthening the leadership of the Party. It emphasizes that the national language and script industry must adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and incorporates "strengthening the common consciousness of the Chinese nation and consolidating cultural confidence" into legislative purposes, clarifying that the national common language and script is the legally prescribed language and script of the whole country. Secondly, improving usage rules. In response to new developments in language life, it adds normative requirements for the language and script used in online audiovisual programs, online publications, government-sponsored or social public service Internet information platforms, as well as domestic international exhibitions, international conferences, etc. It further strengthens the basic role of school education in promoting and popularizing the national common language and script. Thirdly, strengthening safeguard measures. It requires governments at or above the county level to incorporate language and script affairs into relevant plans, and to include language and script work funds in the budget at their respective levels. Fourthly, improving legal responsibilities. It clarifies the departmental industry management responsibilities for the national common language and script work. A special chapter on "legal responsibilities" is added, setting penalties for violations of prescribed use, and promoting joint regulatory efforts by departments. In the next step, the Ministry of Education and the National Language Commission will take various measures to strengthen the study, publicity, and implementation of the newly revised Law on the National Common Language and Script, comprehensively improve the popularity and quality of the national common language and script, and contribute to the comprehensive promotion of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.