ACCOUNTING AND THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT IN CHINA

Abstract

This article presents characteristics of the evolution and the current state of accounting in China, as for the legal environment, the property, economic and accounting structure, and the accounting profession. Exploratory research methods have been applied to updated specialized literature. Our study established that, since the foundation of the Popular Republic of China, characterized by strong governmental control of the economic activities, the Chinese legal and regulatory environment has affected accounting practices. In 2002, the Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises were issued as an attempt to converge with IASB international accounting standards. China’s present day accounting is a result of a historical process which includes political, economic, social and cultural changes in the period between 1918 and 2001. We have concluded that Chinese accounting has undergone significant reforms in recent years and efforts have been made by Chinese authorities to adapt their accounting norms to the international financial reporting standards. Due to economic reforms, the Chinese accounting profession has been earning gradual recognition, despite its remaining still very distant from Anglo-Saxon rules. Keywords: Accounting environment. Accounting profession. Legal system. China.