How strict are gun laws in China?
Highly restrictive / banned
Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
China is one of 51 countries classified “Highly restrictive / banned” for civilian gun ownership — 25% of the 202 with data. (Also searched as firearm laws.)
Source
- Last checked
- 17 September 2026
- How it was classified
- Read directly from the source’s own table, without interpretation.
Nearby countries
- Mongolia
- Restrictive Mongolia requires may-issue permits for all firearm types, including those for personal protection.
- Bhutan
- Restrictive Handguns are licensed only at the authorities' discretion, or only to club members or existing owners.
- North Korea
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- South Korea
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- Hong Kong
- Restrictive Handguns are restricted and issued only under license, with self-defense not being a sufficient standalone reason.
- Bangladesh
- Restrictive Handguns are limited to one and require justification, fitting the may-issue or restricted discretion category.
Other laws in China
- Death Penalty
- Retained / in use
- Military Conscription
- No conscription
Every law in China → · How strict are gun laws around the world? →
A visual reference compiled from Wikipedia’s law-by-country articles, not legal advice. Laws change and summaries simplify — check a primary source before relying on anything here.