China Briefing

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition

Economy & Trade

China’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.

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition
Is WFOE Still the Right Corporate Structure for China in 2026?
Human Resources & Payroll

Is WFOE Still the Right Corporate Structure for China in 2026?

A 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.

China's Agentic AI Boom: What the OpenClaw Surge Reveals
Industries

China's Agentic AI Boom: What the OpenClaw Surge Reveals

China’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.

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare
Legal & Regulatory

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare

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.

Get free access to our subscriptions and publications

Subscribe to receive weekly China Briefing news updates, our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives.

Sign Up Now
China Briefing

Economy & Trade

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition
Economy & Trade

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition

Apr 21

China’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.

Publications

 

Tax & Accounting

China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Tax & Accounting

China Manufacturing Tracker 2026

Apr 17

Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for March 2026 has now been updated.

  • Beyond Compliance: How to Approach Hong Kong’s 2026 Profits Tax Return

    Tax & Accounting Apr 16

    The 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.

  • Hong Kong Strengthens AEOI Framework with 2026 Amendment Bill

    Tax & Accounting Apr 08

    Hong 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.

  • China Monthly Tax Brief: March 2026

    Tax & Accounting Apr 03

    March 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.

  • A Guide to Global Minimum Tax in Hong Kong – Compliance Requirements for MNEs (Part II)

    Tax & Accounting Apr 03

    In-scope MNEs must designate filing entities, align GloBE calculations with local requirements, and secure Pillar Two Portal access ahead of the first deadlines.

Publications

 

Legal & Regulatory

Ascentium Acquires Dezan Shira & Associates, Expanding its Footprint to 27 Markets and Strengthening Corporate Services Capabilities
Legal & Regulatory

Ascentium Acquires Dezan Shira & Associates, Expanding its Footprint to 27 Markets and Strengthening Corporate Services Capabilities

Apr 21

Ascentium, 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.

Publications

Industries

China Manufacturing Tracker 2026
Industries

China Manufacturing Tracker 2026

Apr 17

Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for March 2026 has now been updated.

Publications

 

HR & Payroll

Hiring in Hong Kong: Compliance Tips for Foreign Companies
HR & Payroll

Hiring in Hong Kong: Compliance Tips for Foreign Companies

Apr 21

Hong 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.

  • China Minimum Wage Standards 2026

    HR & Payroll Apr 15

    This 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.

  • Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats

    HR & Payroll Apr 10

    This 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.

  • Labor Compliance in China 2026: Enforcement Trends and Documentation Risks

    HR & Payroll Apr 08

    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.

  • Hong Kong Employer’s Return 2026 Opens: Are You Ready?

    HR & Payroll Apr 01

    Hong 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.

Publications

 

Technology

EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline
Technology

EU-China Relations After the 2024 European Elections: A Timeline

Apr 20

Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.

Publications

 

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.

DSA logo Contact an Expert

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.

About Asia Briefing Ask Us a Question

Need More Guidance?

China Briefing Publications

Download magazines and guides on doing business in China.

Download Now
ASEAN Briefing

Explore Doing Business in China

Learn all about China’s business and regulatory envirnment with our online Asia guide.
Back to top