Other BriefingsApril-May Hong Kong Tax Compliance: A Practical Checklist for Businesses
Many businesses struggle to manage April-May tax compliance calendars, especially with mandatory iXBRL and MNE e filing. This checklist breaks down what to file, when to file, and how to stay compliant without last minute stress.
Breaking Down the US-China Trade Tariffs: What's in Effect Now?
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.
Do I Need a License to Operate Online in China? A Guide for Foreign Companies
Before launching a website, mobile app, or digital platform in China, foreign companies face one fundamental question: do they need a license? In most cases, the answer is yes—and often more than one.
Labor Compliance in China 2026: Enforcement Trends and Documentation Risks
China’s labor compliance landscape in 2026 is defined by tighter judicial interpretation rather than new laws. Employers must align HR, payroll, and documentation practices with evolving court standards to manage dispute risk effectively.
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April-May Hong Kong Tax Compliance: A Practical Checklist for Businesses
Tax & Accounting Apr 29 -
China Outbound Direct Investment (ODI) Tracker 2026
Economy & Trade Apr 29 -
As a Foreign Company, Do I Need to Make Annual CIT Filing in China?
Tax & Accounting Apr 28 -
China's Special Economic Zones Explained: Which One is Right for Your Business?
Economy & Trade Apr 27 -
Spain-China Relations Deepen Amid Sánchez's Visit to Beijing
Economy & Trade Apr 27
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Economy & Trade
China Outbound Direct Investment (ODI) Tracker 2026
Apr 29In this China Outbound Direct Investment (ODI) Tracker, China Briefing offers up-to-date data and insights on China’s outbound investment developments and trends. Data is as of March 2026.
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China's Special Economic Zones Explained: Which One is Right for Your Business?
Economy & Trade Apr 27China's seven special economic zones each offer distinct industrial profiles, incentive policies, and strategic advantages. Here's what foreign investors need to know to find the right fit.
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Spain-China Relations Deepen Amid Sánchez's Visit to Beijing
Economy & Trade Apr 27Spain is deepening engagement with China despite structural imbalances, with Sánchez’s April 2026 visit institutionalizing bilateral dialogue and expanding cooperation in investment, agrifood, and industrial sectors, even as a large trade deficit persists.
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The Path to Peak Emissions: Climate and Environmental Policy in China's 15th Five-Year Plan
Economy & Trade Apr 23The 15th Five-Year Plan doubles down on renewables build-out and seeks to tighten environmental regulations, posing both regulatory challenges and substantial economic opportunities for foreign companies in the years to come.
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China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition
Economy & Trade Apr 21China’s approval of the Inner Mongolia Pilot Free Trade Zone brings the country’s total FTZ count to 23, completing the national FTZ map and opening new channels in rare earths, AI computing, and cross‑border logistics. The key question for investors is how these policy ambitions translate into actionable opportunities.
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China Industries to Watch in 2025 Tapping into Growth Opportunities
Published: February 2025
China’s policy-driven initiatives will shape its industrial trajectory in 2025, driving growth thr... -
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2026
Published: December 2025China remains a vital market for global companies in 2026, offering scale, integrated supply chains,...
Tax & Accounting
April-May Hong Kong Tax Compliance: A Practical Checklist for Businesses
Apr 29Many businesses struggle to manage April-May tax compliance calendars, especially with mandatory iXBRL and MNE e filing. This checklist breaks down what to file, when to file, and how to stay compliant without last minute stress.
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As a Foreign Company, Do I Need to Make Annual CIT Filing in China?
Tax & Accounting Apr 28Annual CIT filing obligations for foreign companies in China can apply even without profits or a formal entity. This article explains who must file, the key deadlines for 2026, and how PE risks can impact tax obligations.
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Hong Kong’s Evolving Double Tax Agreement (DTA) Network 2026
Tax & Accounting Apr 24Hong 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.
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China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Tax & Accounting Apr 17Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for March 2026 has now been updated.
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Beyond Compliance: How to Approach Hong Kong’s 2026 Profits Tax Return
Tax & Accounting Apr 16The IRD issued 270,000 Profits Tax Returns April 1, 2026, marking a landmark shift to mandatory digital filing. This guide covers who must e-file, key deadlines, iXBRL requirements, and practical steps to ensure compliance.
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Tax Health and Dispute Strategies for Foreign Firms in China
Published: August 2025Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) operating in China must treat tax health as a competitive advant... -
Guide to Corporate Taxation and Compliance in China 2025
Published: December 2024Guide to Corporate Taxation and Compliance in China 2025 offers a comprehensive overview of the majo...
Legal & Regulatory
Ascentium Acquires Dezan Shira & Associates, Expanding its Footprint to 27 Markets and Strengthening Corporate Services Capabilities
Apr 21Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, has completed its acquisition of Dezan Shira & Associates (“Dezan Shira”), a multi-disciplinary professional services firm with more than three decades of experience advising foreign investors across Asia.
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China's New Supply Chain Security Regulations: What Are the Risks to Foreign Companies?
Legal & Regulatory Apr 20China's new rules on industrial supply chain security could place foreign companies in the crosshairs of competing national laws, with potential consequences for those operating in the country.
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Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises in China: The Complete 2026 Setup Guide
Legal & Regulatory Apr 07A step-by-step overview of the procedures, documents, and requirements for establishing a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China in 2026.
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China Customs Compliance Alert: GAC’s New Credit Management Rules Effective April 1
Legal & Regulatory Apr 02China’s Customs has implemented new enterprise credit management rules effective April 1, 2026, replacing the 2021 regime. The reforms affect all importers and exporters, with material implications for compliance strategy, risk exposure, and access to customs facilitation benefits.
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Entering Hong Kong: Operational Roadmap for Chinese Mainland Enterprises
Legal & Regulatory Mar 27Hong Kong continues to play a critical role for Chinese Mainland enterprises pursuing internationalization and cross‑border growth. This article provides a structured overview of the operational steps, regulatory considerations, and strategic advantages of establishing a presence in Hong Kong.
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Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors
Published: October 2025In China’s fast-evolving digital landscape, data compliance has become a strategic imperative – ... -
Tax Health and Dispute Strategies for Foreign Firms in China
Published: August 2025Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) operating in China must treat tax health as a competitive advant...
Industries
China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Apr 17Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for March 2026 has now been updated.
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China's Agentic AI Boom: What the OpenClaw Surge Reveals
Industries Apr 14China’s rapid uptake of OpenClaw highlights the country’s transition from experimental generative AI toward agentic, task‑executing systems. The shift is reshaping China’s AI value chain, with implications for cloud services, enterprise automation, and foreign market entry strategies.
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China’s Brain-Computer Interface Industry – Tapping into the Future of Human-Machine Integration
Industries Mar 19China is investing heavily in brain-computer interface technology, opening up vast new frontiers in healthcare, rehabilitation, and entertainment.
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EU CBAM 2026: What It Means for China‑Based Manufacturing
Industries Mar 12As 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.
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China Issues New Production Licensing Rules for Infant Formula Liquid Milk
Industries Mar 02China has released new detailed rules governing production licensing for infant formula liquid milk, tightening regulatory oversight in the special foods sector.
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Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors
Published: October 2025In China’s fast-evolving digital landscape, data compliance has become a strategic imperative – ... -
Investing in China's Greater Bay Area: Tapping into Long-Term Opportunities
Published: April 2023Investing in China's Greater Bay Area: Tapping into Long-Term Opportunities is designed to introduce...
HR & Payroll
Facing New Salary Benchmarks for Foreigner's Work Permits in China? Here’s How Employers Can Respond
Apr 24China’s tightening enforcement of foreigner's work permit salary benchmarks is reshaping how employers hire and retain foreign talent. As salary thresholds increasingly determine eligibility, companies must rethink budgeting, permit strategies, and long‑term workforce planning.
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Hiring in Hong Kong: Compliance Tips for Foreign Companies
HR & Payroll Apr 21Hong Kong offers foreign companies access to a highly skilled, multilingual workforce and a business-friendly regulatory environment, making it a key gateway for regional expansion in Asia.
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China Minimum Wage Standards 2026
HR & Payroll Apr 15This article offers a guide to minimum wages in the Chinese Mainland and discuss how labor costs are affected by changes to the minimum wage levels. The data is current as of January 22, 2026.
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Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats
HR & Payroll Apr 10This city‑by‑city guide analyzes expat living costs in China in 2026 using a Shanghai Index benchmark. It explains how inflation trends, exchange rates, and regional development policies shape real purchasing power across different cities and lifestyles.
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Labor Compliance in China 2026: Enforcement Trends and Documentation Risks
HR & Payroll Apr 08China’s labor compliance landscape in 2026 is defined by tighter judicial interpretation rather than new laws. Employers must align HR, payroll, and documentation practices with evolving court standards to manage dispute risk effectively.
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Labor Trends and Risk Management in China 2026
Published: February 2026In a year where China’s labor landscape is defined by slower expansion, tighter compliance expecta... -
Tax Health and Dispute Strategies for Foreign Firms in China
Published: August 2025Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) operating in China must treat tax health as a competitive advant...
Technology
Do I Need a License to Operate Online in China? A Guide for Foreign Companies
Apr 22Before launching a website, mobile app, or digital platform in China, foreign companies face one fundamental question: do they need a license? In most cases, the answer is yes—and often more than one.
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EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline
Technology Apr 20Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
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Are You Exposed Under China’s 2026 Personal Information Protection Campaigns?
Technology Apr 15China’s 2026 enforcement actions signal a decisive move toward practical, sector‑specific execution of the PIPL. Foreign businesses must now demonstrate day‑to‑day compliance across systems, vendors, and internal processes.
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China’s MIIT Introduces New Technology Contract Registration Requirements for 2026
Technology Feb 25China 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.
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China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare
Technology Feb 10China has released the 2026 Guidelines for the Security of Cross Border Transfer of Vehicle Data, offering industry-specific clarity on data export compliance requirements.
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Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors
Published: October 2025In China’s fast-evolving digital landscape, data compliance has become a strategic imperative – ... -
PIPL 2024: Cross-Border Data Transfer in China Handbook
Published: April 2024China’s PIPL and cross-border data transfer (CBDT) frameworks require that companies operating in ...
Expert Guidance about Business in Asia
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.
Business Updates for All Asia Markets
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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