Other BriefingsInvesting in Shanghai's AI Investment Clusters: Where the Opportunities Lie After WAIC 2026
We map Shanghai's key AI investment clusters (Xuhui, Zhangjiang, and Lingang) and explain where foreign investors should consider landing after WAIC 2026.
How to Hire Over-Age Workers in China: A Practical Guide for HR and In-House Counsel (Part II)
Part II of our guide moves from setup to risk management, focusing on the operational pressure points where HR teams and in-house counsel are most likely to encounter disputes or regulatory scrutiny for hiring over-age workers in China.
China Cybersecurity Label Explained: Why ‘Optional’ Doesn’t Mean Irrelevant
For foreign companies selling smart devices, routers, cameras, or any IoT product in China, the new voluntary cybersecurity label is not just a logo but signals whether your product meets China’s security baseline, and increasingly, whether it gets chosen at all.
China’s Customs Voluntary Disclosure System: Penalty Exemptions for Import and Export Enterprises
China's updated customs voluntary disclosure rules give import and export enterprises a structured route to self-correct compliance errors and avoid administrative penalties.
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Investing in Shanghai's AI Investment Clusters: Where the Opportunities Lie After WAIC 2026
Industries Jul 25 -
Breaking Down the US-China Trade Tariffs: What's in Effect Now?
Economy & Trade Jul 24 -
US-China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era: A Timeline
Economy & Trade Jul 24 -
Trademark Protection in China: Why Legal Victory Is Only Part of the Strategy
Legal & Regulatory Jul 23 -
The Cost of Starting a Business in China: How Foreign Investors Should Budget
Legal & Regulatory Jul 23
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Economy & Trade
China’s GDP Expands 4.7% in H1 2026: How to Read It
Jul 16China's economy grew 4.7% in H1 2026. Explore key trends in GDP, manufacturing, consumption, trade, and opportunities for foreign investors.
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EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline
Economy & Trade Jul 08Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
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China's New Foreign Investment Action Plan: The Measures That Matter Most for FIEs
Economy & Trade Jul 07China’s 2026 action plan for foreign investment opens financial services, revises M&A rules, and eases data export controls. We outline the most important measures for FIEs and discuss how to act on them.
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US-China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era: A Timeline
Economy & Trade Jul 03On March 23, 2026, the US Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List to include foreign-made consumer routers, preventing new models from receiving FCC equipment authorization and thereby banning them from being imported or sold in the US.
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Where to Invest in China in 2026 and Beyond: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Economy & Trade Jun 25A more selective FDI environment has increased the cost of misjudging location choice. For foreign investors, knowing where to invest in China is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.
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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
How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm in Hong Kong: A Guide for Foreign Investors and SMEs
Jul 21A practical guide to selecting an accounting and audit firm in Hong Kong, covering firm tiers, typical fees, and how to match a provider to your business.
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Hong Kong Refines Fund and Family Office Tax Regime: Key Changes and Implications
Tax & Accounting Jul 10Hong Kong’s 2026 tax bill expands incentives for funds, asset managers, and family offices under the Unified Fund Exemption. Explore key changes and implications.
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China Monthly Tax Brief: June 2026
Tax & Accounting Jul 09Our June 2026 tax brief covers a new VAT filing pilot, real-time petrol invoicing rules, OECD remote-work PE guidance, and new foreign investment incentives, among other important updates foreign businesses should know.
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Transfer Pricing in Hong Kong: BEPS 2.0, Documentation, and Trends
Tax & Accounting Jul 03Hong Kong implemented the global minimum tax (Pillar Two) from January 1, 2025. This article examines the latest transfer pricing trends, documentation expectations, and what MNE groups should prepare.
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China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Tax & Accounting Jul 01Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for May 2026 has now been updated.
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Optimizing Your China Manufacturing Operations: Setup, Acquisition, and Restructuring Pathways
Published: May 2026In a year where global supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical pressures, cost consideratio... -
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...
Legal & Regulatory
Trademark Protection in China: Why Legal Victory Is Only Part of the Strategy
Jul 23Louis Vuitton's trademark victory over Chinese tea chain Molly Tea was legally sound yet triggered a massive consumer backlash. Set against nearly 1,700 enforcement actions in five years, the case shows why foreign brands in China need an integrated trademark strategy.
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The Cost of Starting a Business in China: How Foreign Investors Should Budget
Legal & Regulatory Jul 22The cost of setting up a company in China varies depending on the city, sector, operating model, staffing plan, and licensing requirements. This guide helps foreign companies identify the major cost drivers and prepare for a tailored establishment assessment.
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Ctrip Fined RMB 10 Million for Illegally Exporting Personal Data – Lessons for Foreign Companies
Legal & Regulatory Jul 21The fine marks the largest penalty for illegal export of personal information issued to date. We break down what happened, why the fine was so severe, and how foreign companies can avoid making the same mistake.
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EU Forced Labour Regulation: What FIEs in China Need to Know
Legal & Regulatory Jul 20The EU's new forced labour regulation guidelines widen scrutiny of supply chains. Learn what FIEs in China should do to prepare.
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Why Hong Kong Bank Account Applications Are Rejected (Part 2): Preparing a Successful Application
Legal & Regulatory Jul 17Hong Kong banks reject account applications for a recurring set of reasons – documentation gaps, unverifiable funds, high-risk business models, and weak regional ties. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we set out the documentation banks expect, compare traditional banks, digital banks, and fintech platforms on onboarding and timelines, and outline the practical avenues available to businesses after a refusal.
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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
Investing in Shanghai's AI Investment Clusters: Where the Opportunities Lie After WAIC 2026
Jul 24We map Shanghai's key AI investment clusters (Xuhui, Zhangjiang, and Lingang) and explain where foreign investors should consider landing after WAIC 2026.
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Where to Invest in China’s Biopharma Boom: Mapping the Big Three Clusters in 2026
Industries Jul 13China now generates close to a third of the world’s innovative-drug pipeline, and foreign multinationals are committing billions to specific addresses. We map where the capital is going, and why each of China’s three anchor life sciences clusters suits a different kind of investor.
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China Clarifies Medical Device Classification for Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Industries Jul 03NMPA's new guideline sorts BCI devices into concrete risk classes and registration pathways, turning what used to be a regulatory guessing game into a roadmap foreign investors can actually plan around. Find out which devices get the fast-track Class II route, which face the full Class III gauntlet, and what it all means for your China market entry strategy.
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China’s Medical Device Industry – Why Beijing is the Place to Invest
Industries Jul 02Beijing is fast becoming China's leading hub for innovative medical devices, backed by dedicated industrial parks, policy incentives, and world-class research infrastructure. We look at where the opportunities lie for foreign companies and how to position for market entry.
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China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Industries Jul 01Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for May 2026 has now been updated.
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Optimizing Your China Manufacturing Operations: Setup, Acquisition, and Restructuring Pathways
Published: May 2026In a year where global supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical pressures, cost consideratio... -
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 – ...
HR & Payroll
EU Forced Labour Regulation: What FIEs in China Need to Know
Jul 20The EU's new forced labour regulation guidelines widen scrutiny of supply chains. Learn what FIEs in China should do to prepare.
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Non-Compete Agreements in China: A Guide for Foreign Employers
HR & Payroll Jul 10Non-compete agreements in China only bind certain employees and must meet strict tests on eligibility, compensation, and proportionality. This guide explains what foreign employers must do to keep their clauses enforceable, and what to check in their contracts.
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AI-Powered HR in China: Who's Liable When Algorithms Decide?
HR & Payroll Jul 06AI is changing how HR functions operate in China, but it does not change who is accountable. Technology may automate processes, but legal responsibility remains firmly with the employer.
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How to Hire Over-Age Workers in China: A Practical Guide for HR and In-House Counsel (Part II)
HR & Payroll Jun 26Part II of our guide moves from setup to risk management, focusing on the operational pressure points where HR teams and in-house counsel are most likely to encounter disputes or regulatory scrutiny for hiring over-age workers in China.
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How to Legally Hire Over-Age Workers in China: A Practical Guide (Part I)
HR & Payroll Jun 19Hiring over-age workers in China can help address labor shortages, but it comes with legal complexities. This guide explains how HR and in-house counsel can structure compliant arrangements and manage risk under the new rules.
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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
Ctrip Fined RMB 10 Million for Illegally Exporting Personal Data – Lessons for Foreign Companies
Jul 21The fine marks the largest penalty for illegal export of personal information issued to date. We break down what happened, why the fine was so severe, and how foreign companies can avoid making the same mistake.
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EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline
Technology Jul 08Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
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Navigating Data Compliance in Chinese M&A Transactions
Technology Jun 11Understanding how China's data protection laws affect every stage of a cross-border acquisition is essential for foreign companies exploring M&A opportunities in the country.
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Selling Connected Products in China? Prepare for the New Cybersecurity Label
Technology Jun 01China’s Cybersecurity Label is a voluntary regime for internet-connected products taking effect on July 1, 2026. While not mandatory, it may become an important buyer-trust and procurement signal for foreign IoT companies selling in China.
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Shanghai Expands Data Export Negative List Regime: What Foreign Businesses Need to Know
Technology May 26Shanghai’s new data export negative list has been expanded to cover the entire city, reducing compliance burdens for more companies and setting a precedent in China.
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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 ...
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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.
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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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