China tightens scrutiny of offshore listings in some sectors

The Chinese government will require that domestic firms in sectors off-limits to foreign direct investment, such as Internet news and publishing, receive clearances from regulators before they can list their shares outside the mainland.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced the new rules on the clearances on Monday in a statement that also included an updated annual "Foreign Investment Negative List" that outlines business sectors where foreign direct investment is banned or restricted. The new rules now apply that list to companies issuing shares overseas for the first time, and come as China is tightening scrutiny over offshore share sales.

Chinese companies in sectors prohibited for foreign investment "should get clearance from relevant Chinese regulatory bodies, if they seek share sales and list in overseas markets," the NDRC said, plugging a regulatory loophole.


In addition, "foreign investors must not participate in the operation and management of the companies" and their holdings are to be capped at 30%, in line with the rules regulating locally-listed companies.