Glossary · Rule layers and human rights
Constitution of the People's Republic of China
Also known as: Chinese Constitution, PRC Constitution
German: Verfassung der Volksrepublik China
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, adopted in 1982 and last amended in 2018, is the fundamental law of the PRC; since 2004 it states that the state respects and preserves human rights (Article 33), and its interpretation and the supervision of its enforcement lie with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (Article 67).
- AI regulation
- China
In one sentence
China's Constitution of 1982 (amended 2018) is the PRC's fundamental law. How it relates to the CAC's AI rules and who interprets it.
Example
The interim measures for generative AI services are regulations of the Cyberspace Administration of China and other agencies; they rank below the Constitution and the laws of the National People's Congress.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Rights clauses: Article 33 states that the state respects and preserves human rights (added in 2004); Article 38 protects the personal dignity of citizens. Article 5 provides that no law or regulation may contravene the Constitution.
- Who interprets it: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress interprets the Constitution and supervises its enforcement (Article 67). Courts do not review laws against the Constitution.
- AI rules: China regulates AI through administrative regulations and departmental rules, above all those of the Cyberspace Administration of China: the deep synthesis provisions (2023), the interim measures for generative AI services (2023) and the labeling measures (2025), plus filing duties. They rank below the Constitution and the national laws (such as the Personal Information Protection Law).
- International: China signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1998 and has not ratified it. It is not a member of the Council of Europe and has not signed its Framework Convention on AI.
This entry describes the legal order; it does not assess it.