Asia
China.
The Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (adopted 2020, in force January 1, 2021) includes a provision on emergency aid under which an aider who causes harm while voluntarily giving aid does not bear civil liability. The Charity Law (2016, amended 2023) and the State Council's Regulation of Volunteer Service (2017) set rules for and encourage charitable and volunteer activity, and national campaigns such as learning from Lei Feng are policy rather than law.
Is there a legal duty to help a stranger?
No general duty foundNo general legal duty to help a stranger in danger was found in the Civil Code text reviewed. Article 184 addresses liability of those who do help, and Article 121 gives a person who voluntarily manages another's affairs to avoid harm the right to request repayment of necessary expenses. This guide did not review criminal or administrative law, so it does not claim no duty exists anywhere.
Are people who help protected?
YesCivil Code Article 184 provides that where voluntarily carrying out emergency assistance causes harm to the person receiving assistance, the aider does not bear civil liability. By its words it addresses civil liability only, and it is silent on criminal liability. Article 183 separately addresses compensation when someone is harmed while protecting another's civil rights.
How the government promotes giving and service
Ways to give and volunteer
In China, charity and volunteering run mainly through registered, government-supervised bodies such as the Red Cross Society of China, state-recognized foundations and local volunteer stations. Start with an official channel; independent or unregistered fundraising can be illegal.
Give your time
Give money, blood or a donation
In an emergency or a crisis
Before you act
- Public fundraising is regulated: only qualified charities may solicit donations publicly, and foreign NGOs need to operate through registered channels, so do not start your own collection or donate to unregistered groups.
- If you are a foreign resident or visitor, volunteer through a university, a community office or a registered organization and ask your host about visa or permit rules before starting.
- Be wary of anyone who asks for fees, personal documents or transfers to a personal account.
This list covers only official and widely recognized channels and does not cover local groups, crowdfunding apps or religious organizations. Checked 2026-10-28. Listing an organization is not an endorsement, and none of them has endorsed this site. Some official sites block automatic checks, so a link may need a second try.
One thing worth knowing
China's Civil Code puts an emergency-aid liability exemption in the national civil code itself (Article 184), next to a rule letting voluntary helpers recover necessary expenses (Article 121).
What this does not mean
The English texts cited are private translations, not official English versions; the Chinese text controls. The Charity Law translation shown is the 2016 version and the law was amended in 2023. Policy campaigns and official media statements are not law, and nothing here speaks to how the provisions are applied in practice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice, and it does not rank countries. No government named here has endorsed this site. Not reviewed by a lawyer. Statutes were read in public sources and may have changed. Last checked October 26, 2026.