Other BriefingsGermany-China Relations Under Merz: What the First Official Visit to Beijing Means for Business
Germany-China relations have stabilized at the political level following Chancellor Merz's February 2026 visit to Beijing, with both sides reaffirming their strategic partnership and committing to structured bilateral consultations. However, the structural economic tensions driving Germany's record EUR 90 billion trade deficit with China remain unresolved, and European businesses should not mistake diplomatic normalization for improved market conditions.
EU CBAM 2026: What It Means for China‑Based Manufacturing
As 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.
China PIPL: Key Compliance Signals from CAC’s January 2026 Q&A
China’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.
China Minimum Wage Standards 2026
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.
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Germany-China Relations Under Merz: What the First Official Visit to Beijing Means for Business
Economy & Trade Mar 13 -
EU CBAM 2026: What It Means for China‑Based Manufacturing
Economy & Trade Mar 12 -
China Monthly Tax Brief: February 2026
Tax & Accounting Mar 11 -
China's Updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026): Opportunities for Global Service Providers
Economy & Trade Mar 11 -
Case Study: Using Hong Kong as a Strategic Anchor in a Complex Chinese Mainland Trademark Landscape
Legal & Regulatory Mar 12
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Economy & Trade
Germany-China Relations Under Merz: What the First Official Visit to Beijing Means for Business
Mar 13Germany-China relations have stabilized at the political level following Chancellor Merz's February 2026 visit to Beijing, with both sides reaffirming their strategic partnership and committing to structured bilateral consultations. However, the structural economic tensions driving Germany's record EUR 90 billion trade deficit with China remain unresolved, and European businesses should not mistake diplomatic normalization for improved market conditions.
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EU CBAM 2026: What It Means for China‑Based Manufacturing
Economy & Trade 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's Updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026): Opportunities for Global Service Providers
Economy & Trade Mar 10China’s updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026) identifies priority sectors to import high-quality international services.
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China Outbound Direct Investment (ODI) Tracker 2026
Economy & Trade Mar 09In 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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Government Funding Schemes and Business Incentives in Hong Kong
Economy & Trade Mar 06Companies in Hong Kong can benefit from myriad incentive programs designed to support business growth, foster innovation, nurture talent, and more.
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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
China Monthly Tax Brief: February 2026
Mar 11China monthly tax brief February 2026 highlights a pivotal month shaped by the rollout of the new VAT Law and a surge of aligning tax policies. New incentives, compliance signals, and special zone updates together redefine China’s evolving tax environment.
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Hong Kong’s Evolving Double Tax Agreement (DTA) Network 2026
Tax & Accounting Mar 04Hong 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’s MIIT Introduces New Technology Contract Registration Requirements for 2026
Tax & Accounting 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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Annual IIT Reconciliation in China 2026: Appointment Booking Opens February 25
Tax & Accounting Feb 24China’s annual IIT reconciliation for 2026 is split into two phases, with early filers advised to book appointments in the IIT app. This section outlines eligibility, key timelines, filing methods, and practical preparation steps.
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Hong Kong IRD Warns Public About Fraudulent Stamp Duty Certificate Notices
Tax & Accounting Feb 13Hong Kong’s IRD has warned the public about fake notices impersonating Stamp Duty Certificate communications. These fraudulent documents often use fabricated tax terms, urgent deadlines, or foreign-currency payment instructions to pressure recipients.
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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
China's Updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026): Opportunities for Global Service Providers
Mar 10China’s updated Catalogue of Encouraged Service Imports (2026) identifies priority sectors to import high-quality international services.
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Case Study: Using Hong Kong as a Strategic Anchor in a Complex Chinese Mainland Trademark Landscape
Legal & Regulatory Mar 09This case illustrates how Hong Kong can serve as a strategic anchor when Chinese Mainland filings encounter structural obstacles and prior conflicting rights. A parallel protection strategy enabled the Company to secure continuity and reduce long‑term trademark risk.
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Trademark Registration in Hong Kong: A Primer
Legal & Regulatory Mar 09We discuss trademark registration and protections in Hong Kong and how these differ from the legal standards and practice in the Chinese Mainland.
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Hong Kong Expected to Introduce Virtual Asset Licensing Regime in 2026
Legal & Regulatory Mar 03Hong Kong is preparing to introduce a comprehensive licensing regime for virtual asset service providers covering dealing, custody, advisory, and asset management activities. The framework will significantly raise compliance expectations for operators seeking to serve Hong Kong clients.
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Labor Trends and Risk Management in China 2026 - New Publication Out
Legal & Regulatory Mar 03China’s labor landscape in 2026 reflects a move toward selective hiring, stronger documentation requirements, and increasingly deliberate workforce planning. This edition provides actionable insights for navigating compliance risks and building resilient employment structures.
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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
EU CBAM 2026: What It Means for China‑Based Manufacturing
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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China’s Green Consumption Market: Policy Momentum, Consumer Shifts, and Commercial Opportunities
Industries Feb 17China’s green consumption market is rapidly becoming a structural growth pillar, driven by coordinated national policy (notably the 2026 Action Plan) that integrates incentives, standards, and financing to steer household and service-sector demand toward low-carbon, resource-efficient goods and lifestyles.
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Qianhai Updates Support for Hong Kong and Macao Medical Institutions
Industries Jan 30Qianhai has revised its support measures for Hong Kong and Macao medical institutions, introducing enhanced fiscal incentives, clearer eligibility criteria, and stricter compliance requirements to promote long-term, high-quality healthcare development. The updated framework reinforces Qianhai’s role as a key testing ground for cross-border healthcare cooperation and foreign participation within the Greater Bay Area.
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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
Guangzhou and Foshan Simplify Foreign Hiring with New Mobility Rules
Mar 04Guangzhou and Foshan have jointly introduced measures to simplify work permit procedures and improve mobility for foreign professionals. The policy aims to reduce administrative burdens and support deeper integration under the Guangfo “same‑city” initiative.
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Labor Trends and Risk Management in China 2026 - New Publication Out
HR & Payroll Mar 03China’s labor landscape in 2026 reflects a move toward selective hiring, stronger documentation requirements, and increasingly deliberate workforce planning. This edition provides actionable insights for navigating compliance risks and building resilient employment structures.
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China's Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates
HR & Payroll Feb 15This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.
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China Enforces Higher Salary Thresholds for A/B Work Permits
HR & Payroll Feb 12China has tightened enforcement of salary-based requirements for foreign work permits, with major cities applying full 6× and 4× multipliers. These changes impact both new applications and renewals, increasing compliance obligations for employers and foreign staff.
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An Update on Work Permit Renewal for Foreign Talent in Shenzhen
HR & Payroll Feb 05Shenzhen has tightened enforcement of age thresholds for Category B and C work permit renewals, with applicants aged 60 and above now facing rejection from 2026 onward.
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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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