A discussion about the importance of laws and policies for data sharing for public health in the People's Republic of China

This paper introduces the current status of data sharing in the People's Republic of China. It discusses barriers to data sharing and proposes three key solutions to overcome these barriers in China. The establishment of national laws and policies for data sharing is considered the key prerequisite to ensuring the successful implementation of resource sharing activities in public health. Driven by established laws and policies, the relevant operational models should be developed. It is also important to have strategies in place to ensure the established laws and policies are implemented by various organizations in different jurisdictions. These discussions are supported by relevant local and international evidence.