Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors – New Publication Out

Posted by Written by Qian Zhou Reading Time: 3 minutes

The latest issue of China Briefing Magazine, “Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors”, is now available as a complimentary download on the Asia Briefing Publication Store.

In this issue:Data Compliance in China: A Roadmap for Foreign Investors

  • Navigating Trends in China’s Data Compliance Regime
  • Building a Future-Proof Data Compliance Framework
  • Six Data Compliance Hotspots for 2025 and Beyond

In today’s digital economy, data has become a decisive resource fueling innovation, enabling smarter decision-making, and shaping competitive advantage. As the value of data has grown, so too has the sophistication of China’s regulatory approach. What began with the establishment of cornerstone laws has evolved into a comprehensive compliance regime marked by detailed implementation rules and increasingly consistent enforcement. For companies operating in China, data compliance is no longer a matter of choice but an imperative task.

For foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), the stakes are even higher. Data localization rules, cross-border transfer restrictions, and evolving definitions of “personal information” and “important data” create unique challenges for businesses that depend on global data flows. At the same time, China’s regulatory logic differs in key respects from frameworks like the EU’s GDPR, making direct transplantation of global compliance models ineffective.

Yet these challenges also present opportunities. A well-structured, future-proof data compliance framework not only reduces regulatory risk but also enhances operational efficiency, builds trust with regulators and partners, and strengthens global credibility.

Find Business Support
Dezan Shira & Associates offers tailored data compliance services, including data asset mapping, privacy policy drafting, outbound data transfer strategy, and PIA evaluation support.

This issue of China Briefing Magazine takes both a strategic and practical perspective. We unpack the legal foundations, track recent legislative and enforcement trends, and provide actionable insights for building compliance systems that are locally attuned yet globally aligned.

Designed for business leaders, compliance officers, legal teams, and IT decision-makers, we hope this publication equips you with the clarity and tools to not only manage compliance risks but also transform them into drivers of resilience and growth.

 

Chapter summaries

Chapter 1: Alongside China’s digital transformation, the country’s data compliance regulatory environment has matured rapidly, evolving from foundational legislation to strict and consistent enforcement. For foreign-invested enterprises operating in China, building a data governance framework that is compliant, efficient, and globally coordinated has been inseparable from business continuity and long-term competitiveness. This chapter provides a structured overview of China’s evolving data compliance landscape and examines the key legislative developments and enforcement trends.

Chapter 2: Building a future-proof data compliance framework requires more than awareness – it demands strategic governance, adaptive methods, and a culture that evolves with China’s shifting regulations and global standards. Building a future-proof data compliance framework requires more than awareness – it demands strategic governance, adaptive methods, and a culture that evolves with China’s shifting regulations and global standards.

Chapter 3: In China’s fast-changing data compliance landscape, businesses must move beyond isolated and reactive fixes. They must take a focused, strategic approach, directing compliance efforts where regulatory attention is greatest. This chapter highlights six key data compliance priorities for FIEs in 2025 and beyond.

Infographics in this publication (samples)

China’s Data Compliance Authorities_1

Methodology- A Five-Step Compliance Lifecycle

How Data Classification and Grading Works

 

Personal Information Security Impact Assessment Workflow

PIPIA vs. PIP Compliance Audit

Need Support with Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Compliance in China?

Dezan Shira & Associates provides tailored solutions to help your business meet China’s evolving regulatory requirements with confidence. Our experts can assist you with:

  • Cybersecurity audit
  • Cybersecurity consolidation
  • Security awareness training
  • Compliance review
  • Privacy impact assessment
  • Privacy program design and implementation
  • privacy awareness training

Connect with our local experts to schedule a consultation: China@dezshira.com

About Us

China Briefing is one of five regional Asia Briefing publications. It is supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm that assists foreign investors throughout Asia, including through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong in China. Dezan Shira & Associates also maintains offices or has alliance partners assisting foreign investors in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Dubai (UAE), Japan, South Korea, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, United States, and United Kingdom and Ireland.

For a complimentary subscription to China Briefing’s content products, please click here. For support with establishing a business in China or for assistance in analyzing and entering markets, please contact the firm at china@dezshira.com or visit our website at www.dezshira.com.