Other BriefingsHow China’s Foreign Investment Negative List Works – A Guide for Investors
Understanding which sectors are open, restricted, or entirely off-limits to foreign investors in China requires consulting several different lists depending on where and how you plan to invest.
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises in China: The Complete 2026 Setup Guide
A step-by-step overview of the procedures, documents, and requirements for establishing a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China in 2026.
How Foreign Investors Can Set Up a Company in China Entirely Online
Shanghai has launched China’s first fully online foreign‑invested enterprise registration using cross‑border digital identity authentication, marking a major step in reducing administrative barriers for overseas investors.
China's Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates
This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.
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How China’s Foreign Investment Negative List Works – A Guide for Investors
Economy & Trade Apr 13 -
Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats
Economy & Trade Apr 10 -
How Hormuz Disruptions Affect China’s Energy Security and Industry
Economy & Trade Apr 09 -
Labor Compliance in China 2026: Enforcement Trends and Documentation Risks
Human Resources & Payroll Apr 08 -
Hong Kong Strengthens AEOI Framework with 2026 Amendment Bill
Tax & Accounting Apr 08
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Economy & Trade
How China’s Foreign Investment Negative List Works – A Guide for Investors
Apr 13Understanding which sectors are open, restricted, or entirely off-limits to foreign investors in China requires consulting several different lists depending on where and how you plan to invest.
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Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats
Economy & Trade 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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How Hormuz Disruptions Affect China’s Energy Security and Industry
Economy & Trade Apr 09Hormuz disruptions are reshaping China’s energy security outlook, with risks emerging through higher costs rather than supply shortages. While diversified imports and strong reserves provide resilience, pressure is building on industrial margins, transport costs, and supply chain stability.
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China’s Strategy for Overseas Investment in the 15th Five-Year Plan
Economy & Trade Apr 06China's new Five-Year Plan signals a more cautious, technology-driven approach to overseas investment, with greater emphasis on protecting Chinese assets abroad.
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Breaking Down the US-China Trade Tariffs: What's in Effect Now?
Economy & Trade Mar 27The 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.
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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
Hong Kong Strengthens AEOI Framework with 2026 Amendment Bill
Apr 08Hong Kong has gazetted the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 to enhance its AEOI framework. The proposed changes further align the city with global tax transparency standards under the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard.
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China Monthly Tax Brief: March 2026
Tax & Accounting Apr 03March 2026 saw intensive regulatory activity across China’s tax and customs regime, with new national and local policies reshaping incentive access and compliance expectations. FIEs should closely assess both emerging risks and streamlined opportunities arising from these reforms.
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A Guide to Global Minimum Tax in Hong Kong – Compliance Requirements for MNEs (Part II)
Tax & Accounting Apr 03In-scope MNEs must designate filing entities, align GloBE calculations with local requirements, and secure Pillar Two Portal access ahead of the first deadlines.
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China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Tax & Accounting Apr 01Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for January to February 2026 has now been updated.
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Annual CIT Reconciliation in 2026: Key Areas to Focus
Tax & Accounting Mar 31China’s annual CIT reconciliation is one of the most important tax compliance obligations for businesses operating in the country. Filing accurately and early in 2026 can help companies reduce audit risk, avoid penalties, and optimize the use of available tax incentives.
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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
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises in China: The Complete 2026 Setup Guide
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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GAC New Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration Rules Effective June 1: A Guide for Exporters
Legal & Regulatory Mar 26China has released the detailed implementation rules for Decree No. 280, fundamentally reshaping the overseas food manufacturer registration system. Overseas food exporters face new compliance obligations affecting renewals, declaration filings, and registration pathways from June 1, 2026.
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How Foreign Investors Can Set Up a Company in China Entirely Online
Legal & Regulatory Mar 25Shanghai has launched China’s first fully online foreign‑invested enterprise registration using cross‑border digital identity authentication, marking a major step in reducing administrative barriers for overseas investors.
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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 01Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for January to February 2026 has now been updated.
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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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China's Quantum Technology: The 15th Five-Year Plan's Push from Lab to Market
Industries Feb 26China’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.
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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
Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats
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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Hong Kong Employer’s Return 2026 Opens: Are You Ready?
HR & Payroll Apr 01Hong Kong’s Employer’s Return filing season begins April 1 with the issuance of Form BIR56A by the IRD. Employers must prepare accurate staff remuneration disclosures and submit them on time to avoid penalties.
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Is WFOE Still the Right Corporate Structure for China in 2026?
HR & Payroll Mar 30A wholly foreign‑owned enterprise (WFOE) remains the preferred entry structure for many foreign investors in China in 2026, provided the target sector permits full foreign ownership and the business requires direct operational control.
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China's Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates
HR & Payroll Mar 27This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.
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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
EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline
Feb 27Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
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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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China PIPL: Key Compliance Signals from CAC’s January 2026 Q&A
Technology Jan 23China’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.
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Compliance Audit for the Protection of the Personal Information of Minors Due January 31
Technology Jan 13The 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.
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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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