China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone recently unveiled its 2025 data export management list (negative list) , aiming to balance secure and efficient cross-border data flows.

The list focuses on data export of four key sectors: geographical and meteorological information services, enterprise credit, cross-border live e-commerce, and overseas audio-visual production and distribution — fields central to cooperation among Guangxi and ASEAN countries.

The list clearly outlines the boundaries: data in specified sectors requires security assessments, standardized contracts, or certification for protection before being transferred overseas, while data not listed can move more freely.

To facilitate corporate operations, a cross-border data flow service platform has been launched to provide services such as compliance assessments for data export and guidance on negative list applications.

The negative list is expected to advance institutional opening-up, boosting digital industry clustering, China-ASEAN trade, and global data governance participation.

Guangxi's next steps will involve coordinating with free trade zones like Beijing and Zhejiang to establish consistent regional regulatory frameworks.

In addition, Guangxi will focus on targeted investment promotion toward the four sectors to boost the development of new business clusters and ensure sustained advantages gained from ongoing reforms and innovation.