The Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government is a department of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Main responsibilities are as follows:

1. Enforce guidelines, policies, laws, regulations, and rules related to foreign affairs. Conduct research and draft local regulations, rules, and policies on foreign affairs, considering the specific circumstances of this Municipality. Coordinate the implementation of these regulations, rules, and policies.

2. Coordinate the reception of state/party delegations and other important foreign guests visiting Shanghai. Make necessary arrangements for foreign diplomats based in China during their business trips to Shanghai. Coordinate the schedules and logistics for municipal leaders participating in foreign affairs events unrelated to commerce and trade.

3. Organize, manage, and facilitate friendly exchanges between Shanghai and its sister cities or regions overseas. Take responsibility for comprehensive work related to these exchanges. Foster friendly exchanges and cooperation with foreign local governments. Provide guidance for foreign receptions, foreign exchange activities, and the construction of sites related to foreign visits in Shanghai. Evaluate matters concerning foreign-friendly exchanges and cooperation in all districts/counties within Shanghai.

4. Take charge of centralized management for Shanghai residents’ public affairs visits to foreign countries, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SARs). Evaluate and approve applications or review decisions on public affairs visits to foreign countries and Hong Kong and Macao SARs by delegations and personnel assigned by relevant departments, ensuring compliance with governing rules. Issue passports and provide assistance for visa applications related to public affairs visits to foreign countries. Issue passes for entry to and exit from Hong Kong and Macao SARs, and grant exit endorsements to public affairs visitors. Handle application approval procedures for visits by municipal leaders. Manage foreign invitations for visits to Shanghai and facilitate contacts between Shanghai and Hong Kong and Macao SARs. Approve and issue visa notifications for foreigners visiting Shanghai, as well as visas for business, courtesy, and diplomatic purposes, within the authorized scope.

5. Manage matters pertaining to exchanges and negotiations with foreign consulates in Shanghai and relevant consular affairs. Provide policy and business guidance for the employment of Chinese individuals by foreign consulates and overseas media organizations. Act as the representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in handling affairs related to foreign news agencies and correspondents stationed permanently in Shanghai. Review and approve reporting trips of foreign correspondents coming to Shanghai for temporary assignments. Oversee daily management tasks related to these matters.

6. Handle or assist in handling major foreign-related incidents occurring in this Municipality. Ensure the protection of foreign consuls in Shanghai. Take the lead in coordinating the management of activities carried out by overseas non-governmental organizations in Shanghai, as well as foreign-related activities of Shanghai private organizations. Provide assistance in dealing with relevant foreign-related security affairs effectively.

7. Review and respond to requests for instructions regarding foreign affairs or foreign nationals, and provide guidance and coordination for significant foreign affairs and related activities. Evaluate and approve important international conferences to be held in Shanghai, ensuring compliance with governing regulations. Arrange for the convening of the International Business Leaders’ Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai. Collaborate with relevant departments to research and address foreign-related issues at entry ports. Cooperate with relevant departments in the management of foreign expatriates in Shanghai and the recognition and commendation of foreign friends.

8. Provide guidance to organizations involved in foreign affairs. Offer education and training for foreign affairs personnel, covering topics such as the international landscape, foreign policies, and foreign affairs protocols. Supervise and inspect the enforcement of foreign affairs protocols and support relevant departments in addressing major violations that could severely impact national interests and reputation. Collaborate with relevant departments to recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of foreign affairs.

9. Manage and direct the work of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and other social organizations.

10. Oversee the daily operations of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Foreign Affairs Leading Group of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Office of the Coordination Group for Hong Kong and Macao Affairs in Shanghai.

11. Take responsibility for the acceptance and adjudication of relevant administrative reviews and responses to administrative proceedings.

12. Fulfill any other tasks as assigned by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.