Hong Kong is repositioning itself in 2026 as a strategic APAC investment hub, supported by revived capital markets, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, and deep financial liquidity.
China’s green consumption market is rapidly becoming a structural growth pillar, driven by coordinated national policy (notably the 2026 Action Plan) that integrates incentives, standards, and financing to steer household and service-sector demand toward low-carbon, resource-efficient goods and lifestyles.
Hong Kong is preparing to introduce a comprehensive licensing regime for virtual asset service providers covering dealing, custody, advisory, and asset management activities. The framework will significantly raise compliance expectations for operators seeking to serve Hong Kong clients.
China’s data compliance regime is evolving rapidly, with trends pointing to tougher audits, coordinated enforcement, and refined cross-border rules. Foreign-invested enterprises must adopt proactive governance to stay competitive and compliant.
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From developing frontier technologies to boosting domestic demand, the plan sends a clear signal to businesses and investors of where opportunities will lie over the next five years.
Hong Kong is repositioning itself in 2026 as a strategic APAC investment hub, supported by revived capital markets, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, and deep financial liquidity.
The current landscape of US-China tariff rates is complex, with multiple overlapping trade measures in effect. This article explains which tariffs apply in 2025 and how they intersect.
On December 31, 2025, Trump signed a proclamation delaying the increase in tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year.
Germany-China relations have stabilized at the political level following Chancellor Merz's February 2026 visit to Beijing, with both sides reaffirming their strategic partnership and committing to structured bilateral consultations. However, the structural economic tensions driving Germany's record EUR 90 billion trade deficit with China remain unresolved, and European businesses should not mistake diplomatic normalization for improved market conditions.
China monthly tax brief February 2026 highlights a pivotal month shaped by the rollout of the new VAT Law and a surge of aligning tax policies. New incentives, compliance signals, and special zone updates together redefine China’s evolving tax environment.
Hong Kong’s double tax agreement network has reached a new milestone, with fresh treaties and active negotiations shaping the 2026 outlook. Understanding how Hong Kong’s DTAs work is essential for investors and multinationals planning cross-border operations.
China has released updated rules governing the recognition and registration of technology contracts. The new requirements, effective March 1, 2026, are a crucial step for companies to access tech-related tax incentives.
China’s annual IIT reconciliation for 2026 is split into two phases, with early filers advised to book appointments in the IIT app. This section outlines eligibility, key timelines, filing methods, and practical preparation steps.
Hong Kong’s IRD has warned the public about fake notices impersonating Stamp Duty Certificate communications. These fraudulent documents often use fabricated tax terms, urgent deadlines, or foreign-currency payment instructions to pressure recipients.
China’s updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026) identifies priority sectors to import high-quality international services.
This case illustrates how Hong Kong can serve as a strategic anchor when Chinese Mainland filings encounter structural obstacles and prior conflicting rights. A parallel protection strategy enabled the Company to secure continuity and reduce long‑term trademark risk.
We discuss trademark registration and protections in Hong Kong and how these differ from the legal standards and practice in the Chinese Mainland.
Hong Kong is preparing to introduce a comprehensive licensing regime for virtual asset service providers covering dealing, custody, advisory, and asset management activities. The framework will significantly raise compliance expectations for operators seeking to serve Hong Kong clients.
China’s labor landscape in 2026 reflects a move toward selective hiring, stronger documentation requirements, and increasingly deliberate workforce planning. This edition provides actionable insights for navigating compliance risks and building resilient employment structures.
As the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its definitive phase, China-based heavy industry faces a permanently altered cost landscape, one where carbon intensity is now a priced factor of competitiveness, not an externality.
China has released new detailed rules governing production licensing for infant formula liquid milk, tightening regulatory oversight in the special foods sector.
China’s 15th FYP identifies quantum technology as the leading future industry expected to drive new economic growth. With market size expanding and policy support widening, foreign investors face both growing opportunities despite tightening localization pressures.
China’s green consumption market is rapidly becoming a structural growth pillar, driven by coordinated national policy (notably the 2026 Action Plan) that integrates incentives, standards, and financing to steer household and service-sector demand toward low-carbon, resource-efficient goods and lifestyles.
Qianhai has revised its support measures for Hong Kong and Macao medical institutions, introducing enhanced fiscal incentives, clearer eligibility criteria, and stricter compliance requirements to promote long-term, high-quality healthcare development. The updated framework reinforces Qianhai’s role as a key testing ground for cross-border healthcare cooperation and foreign participation within the Greater Bay Area.
Guangzhou and Foshan have jointly introduced measures to simplify work permit procedures and improve mobility for foreign professionals. The policy aims to reduce administrative burdens and support deeper integration under the Guangfo “same‑city” initiative.
China’s labor landscape in 2026 reflects a move toward selective hiring, stronger documentation requirements, and increasingly deliberate workforce planning. This edition provides actionable insights for navigating compliance risks and building resilient employment structures.
This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.
China has tightened enforcement of salary-based requirements for foreign work permits, with major cities applying full 6× and 4× multipliers. These changes impact both new applications and renewals, increasing compliance obligations for employers and foreign staff.
Shenzhen has tightened enforcement of age thresholds for Category B and C work permit renewals, with applicants aged 60 and above now facing rejection from 2026 onward.
Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
China has released updated rules governing the recognition and registration of technology contracts. The new requirements, effective March 1, 2026, are a crucial step for companies to access tech-related tax incentives.
China has released the 2026 Guidelines for the Security of Cross Border Transfer of Vehicle Data, offering industry-specific clarity on data export compliance requirements.
China’s data protection regime is entering a more operational phase, with regulators placing greater emphasis on definitions, documentation, and accountability. The CAC’s January 2026 Q&A highlights how FIEs should translate legal requirements into practical compliance measures.
The CAC now requires companies processing the personal information of minors in China to submit audit materials by January 31, 2026. Businesses must act quickly to comply with filing obligations.
Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing market entry, legal, accounting, tax, HR, technology and operational advisory to international investors.
Asia Briefing publishes articles, magazines, and guides on doing business in Asia. Dezan Shira & Associates has produced the publication since 1999.
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