New reforms simplify access to public services

In a concerted effort to slash red tape and boost economic dynamism, Chinese authorities have unveiled a new batch of administrative reforms — from simplified nursing home registrations to easier mobile phone access for foreign visitors — as part of a nationwide campaign to ease access to services for the public and businesses.

The latest list of 13 items, detailed in a Jan 12 State Council statement, addresses high-frequency, real-world needs for individuals and companies.

These include streamlining multidepartmental procedures such as annual reviews for innovative tech companies, intellectual property transfers, and public event security clearances. The reforms also simplify access to child care and elderly welfare subsidies, social insurance payments for flexible workers, and maritime vessel departure procedures.

The latest reforms mark the first batch for 2026 and the fifth overall since the campaign launched in 2024, bringing the total number of streamlined items to 55. Each catalog is designed to transform traditionally fragmented, multistep processes into seamless, intelligent, and user-centered experiences — often through enhanced data sharing across departments.

For example, applying for child care subsidies now entails seamless coordination among health, public security, and civil affairs authorities, while mobile registration for foreign arrivals involves collaboration between immigration agencies and telecom operators.

Xinhua News Agency recently likened the steady rollout of these catalogs to "driving nails with a hammer" — with each release representing another strike of cumulative progress.

The report noted that by cutting approvals and boosting data interoperability, the government is moving beyond a simple "physical combination" of services toward a "chemical reaction" of deeply integrated administration. The reforms also respond to contemporary social trends, such as pro-fertility policies and a rise in foreign visitors following eased visa transit rules.

One notable example is the streamlined approval for hosting public events, a change accelerated by the explosive success of Jiangsu province's "Suchao" amateur soccer league. Last year, the 13-city league drew record single-match crowds of over 28,000, attracted more than 2.43 million live spectators, generating 38 billion yuan ($5.4 billion) in consumption revenue, and sparked nationwide interest.

These measures align with China's broader efforts to refine the business environment, build a unified national market, and make government more responsive to public needs.

Huang Huang, deputy dean of Peking University's School of Government, told Xinhua that the campaign is a critical driver of high-quality development, lowering institutional costs, improving business efficiency, and strengthening market confidence.

Echoing this view, Zheng Lei, a professor at Fudan University's School of International Relations and Public Affairs, said the streamlined procedures free the public from bureaucratic burdens and allow businesses to refocus on core activities like R&D, market expansion, and product upgrades.