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All Policy Summaries

Browse all 66 policy summaries. Use the category filters below to find what matters to your business.

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Showing 66 of 66 policies

Trade 📡 Signal

Q: Media reports say that the U.S. government is considering imposing an additional 7.5% tariff on imports from China under the pretext of the so-called excess capacity. If the U.S. side moves forward with this measure, how will China respo...

China's Ministry of Commerce responded to reports that the U.S. may impose an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods, calling such a move protectionist and politically motivated. Beijing stated it firmly opposes the U.S. Section 301 investigations and reserved the right to take all necessary countermeasures. No new Chinese policy was announced; this is a warning signal about potential trade escalation.

September 9, 2026
Legal ⚡ Action Required

Q: On August 19, China issued another prohibition order against the EU’s cross-border investigation measures targeting Chinese entities under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). What is MOFCOM’s comment on this? (MOFCOM Regular Press Co...

China has issued a second prohibition order against the EU's use of its Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) to investigate Chinese companies, this time in the JD.com case. The order, based on China's rules on counteracting unjustified extraterritorial application, bars any organization or individual from complying with or assisting the EU's cross-border information demands. MOFCOM criticized the EU for overreach and called for dialogue, while signaling that China will take further measures if necessary.

Do now: If your organization receives information requests from EU authorities in the JD.com FSR probe, do not comply or assist; consult MOFCOM guidance or Chinese legal counsel to ensure alignment with the prohibition order.
September 9, 2026
Industry 📡 Signal

China improves investment mechanism to advance rural revitalization

China has issued a plan to improve investment mechanisms for rural revitalization, jointly released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the NDRC, the People's Bank of China, and other agencies. The plan aims to increase fiscal, financial, and social capital support for agriculture and rural areas, setting a 2030 goal for a balanced and efficient investment structure. It emphasizes government funding leadership and coordinated use of bonds, loans, insurance, subsidies, and pricing policies. This is a broad policy framework rather than an immediately enforceable rule, signaling future investment opportunities rather than direct obligations.

September 7, 2026
Market Access 📡 Signal

China ready to deepen investment cooperation with Russia: vice premier

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov co-chaired the 13th China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee meeting in Vladivostok, where both sides pledged to deepen bilateral investment ties. China called for expanding cooperation in manufacturing, infrastructure, green industries, and the digital economy, while Russia promised to address concerns of Chinese enterprises. The meeting reflects continued political support for China-Russia business cooperation but does not itself create new legal obligations or concrete policy changes.

September 6, 2026
Taxation ⚡ Action Required

China to tax foreign individuals' dividends from foreign-invested enterprises

China's Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have revoked the long-standing individual income tax exemption on dividends and bonuses paid to foreign individuals by foreign-invested enterprises, effective September 1, 2026. A 20% tax will now be withheld on such income. Officials say the actual tax burden for most foreign shareholders will not increase because taxes paid in China can be credited against home-country tax liabilities under worldwide taxation systems. The change aims to equalize treatment between domestic and foreign investors and close tax loopholes.

Do now: Confirm withholding arrangements with your enterprise and assess foreign tax credit eligibility in your country of residence before September 1, 2026.
September 6, 2026
Taxation 📡 Signal

China taps AI for tax system modernization drive

China’s State Taxation Administration is expanding its annual Spring Breeze tax service campaign with 16 measures that use AI large models to improve tax filing, taxpayer support, and compliance. The measures include AI assistants, 24/7 chatbots, expanded IIT auto-filling, bilingual services for foreign enterprises and expatriates, paperless departure tax refunds, and early risk alerts. The goal is to cut waiting times, simplify procedures, and shift supervision toward proactive compliance. Nationwide rollout is underway, with local pilots in Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Hainan, and other regions.

September 6, 2026
Trade 📡 Signal

Finland, Saudi Arabia guest countries of honor at 26th China int'l investment, trade fair

China's Ministry of Commerce announced that the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade will take place September 8–11 in Xiamen, marking the first time the fair has named two guest countries of honor: Finland and Saudi Arabia. The event aims to promote two-way investment through themed exhibitions and specialized zones, highlighting China's growing role as an investment hub.

August 26, 2026
Regulation 📡 Signal

SAFE Holds Seminar on Foreign Exchange Administration Work for the Second Half of 2026

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) held its semi-annual work seminar on August 1 to review foreign-exchange administration in H1 2026 and set priorities for H2 2026. SAFE reported a stable FX market with net capital inflows and outlined plans to accelerate trade and investment payment facilitation, roll out new cross-border financing rules for multinationals, and tighten enforcement against illegal FX activity. No concrete rules were issued in this meeting; the announcements signal specific regulatory documents and rollout deadlines to monitor in the coming months.

August 22, 2026
Market Access ⚡ Action Required

China adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour visa-free transit program

China's National Immigration Administration has added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, effective August 20, 2026, bringing the total eligible countries to 57. Citizens of these countries holding ordinary passports and onward tickets to a third country can now stay up to 10 days visa-free at any of 65 Chinese ports. Both countries were also added to Hainan Province's 30-day visa-free entry policy, expanding that program to 61 countries. The move is part of China's broader post-pandemic push to boost international tourism and business travel, while employment, study, and journalistic activities remain excluded from visa-free entry.

Do now: If you are a Kyrgyz or Vietnamese citizen, verify that you hold an ordinary passport and an interline ticket to a third country/region, then plan your entry through one of the 65 designated ports if you intend to stay up to 10 days visa-free; for stays in Hainan up to 30 days, use the province's open ports and confirm you meet the program's conditions.
August 20, 2026
Market Access 📊 Background

China's central bank adds 8 banks as digital yuan operators

The People's Bank of China has added eight banks to its list of authorized digital yuan operators, raising the total to 30. The move is designed to broaden the inclusiveness of digital yuan services and support regional SMEs and cross-border trade. The newly added banks will begin services once their technical and operational preparations are complete.

August 18, 2026
Regulation 📊 Background

China's central bank to strengthen financial support for key areas

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced in its Q2 2026 monetary policy report that it will strengthen financial support for key areas such as expanding domestic demand, technological innovation, and small and micro enterprises. The central bank will continue its accommodative monetary policy and optimize structural tools to improve the financing structure. It also reported that loan growth in technology, green, inclusive finance, elderly care, and digital economy sectors outpaced overall loan growth, and pledged to guard against exchange rate overshooting and systemic financial risks.

August 13, 2026
Industry 📊 Background

China central bank reform plan targets high-level financial opening-up

China's central bank published a five-year reform roadmap (2026–2030) to strengthen the financial system and support high-level financial opening. The plan prioritizes wider use of the renminbi in global trade and investment, deeper cross-border financial market access, and development of Shanghai and Hong Kong as major international financial centers. Domestically, it calls for improved monetary policy tools, market-based interest rates and exchange rates, and better financial services for technology, green, inclusive, pension, and digital finance. The document is a strategic agenda rather than an immediate rule change.

August 11, 2026
Industry 📡 Signal

Q: National-level economic and technological development zones constitute one of China’s important platforms for opening up. MOFCOM conducts annual comprehensive performance evaluations of these zones. Could you share with us the results of...

MOFCOM released the 2025 annual performance evaluation results for China's national-level economic and technological development zones. The results show that in 2024 these zones accounted for roughly one-quarter of China's total imports/exports and utilized foreign investment, solidifying their role as key platforms for opening up. MOFCOM will refine the evaluation system and dynamic management mechanisms to further promote high-quality development of these zones.

August 8, 2026
Trade 📡 Signal

Q: On June 29, China and the EU held the first meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation (TIC), and preliminarily agreed to hold the second meeting of the TIC this autumn. We have noted that the two sides have maintained int...

China and the EU held their first Trade and Investment Consultation (TIC) meeting on June 29 and plan a second meeting this autumn. Officials from both sides are intensifying communication and working-level talks to resolve trade concerns and maintain a stable, balanced trading partnership. No new trade rules or enforcement actions were announced; the statement is a status update on ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

August 8, 2026
Market Access 📡 Signal

Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Data for the First Half of 2026 — Press Conference Transcript

China's foreign exchange regulator released first-half 2026 data showing record cross-border receipts and payments of US$9.2 trillion and generally stable market conditions despite global volatility. Officials also previewed a new package of cross-border investment and financing facilitation measures — including simpler foreign-exchange procedures for foreign-invested enterprises, easier outbound capital remittances, and a nationwide green external debt pilot — but stressed these rules will take effect only after formal regulatory procedures are completed. The briefing signals continued opening of China's capital account but creates no immediate compliance obligation.

August 7, 2026
Regulation 📊 Background

China's central bank to conduct 500-billion-yuan outright reverse repo operation

China's central bank, the People's Bank of China, announced a 500-billion-yuan (about $73.6 billion) outright reverse repo operation to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. The operation, maturing in three months, rolls over and increases maturing outright reverse repos, expanding the central bank's monetary policy toolkit.

August 5, 2026
Trade ⚡ Action Required

MOFCOM Spokesperson’s Remarks on Adding 14 EU Entities to the Restricted Namelist

China's commerce ministry has added 14 EU companies to its restricted export list, effective July 24, 2026. The measure prohibits Chinese exporters from selling dual-use goods—items with both civilian and military applications—to these companies, and prohibits anyone overseas from passing on Chinese-origin dual-use goods to them. The move responds to the EU's latest Russia sanctions package, which placed 14 Chinese mainland and Hong Kong firms on its sanctions list.

Do now: Screen your customer and supply-chain counterparties against MOFCOM's updated Restricted Namelist and halt any dual-use item exports to the 14 listed EU entities.
August 5, 2026
Industry 📊 Background

China's central bank to enhance financial support for real economy in H2

China's central bank will keep a moderately loose monetary policy through the second half of 2026, with stronger counter-cyclical adjustments to support economic recovery. The bank plans to maintain ample liquidity and guide credit growth toward official targets, while increasing financing support for tech innovation, private firms, and SMEs. The measures aim to strengthen financial services to the real economy and improve credit conditions for small businesses.

August 4, 2026
Industry 📡 Signal

China's computing power networks to see 4 trln yuan in new direct investment during 2026-2030

China's top economic planner expects computing power networks to absorb about 4 trillion yuan (US$589 billion) in new direct investment over 2026-2030 as part of a national Six Networks infrastructure push. The announcement signals that Beijing will rely heavily on enterprise and private capital to build digital and physical infrastructure, and it previews roughly 5 trillion yuan in underground pipeline spending as well. This is an early investment signal ahead of the formal 15th Five-Year Plan rollout, not a binding rule.

August 1, 2026
Market Access 📋 Monitor

China to refine visa-free policy, streamline entry procedures for foreign visitors

China's Ministry of Public Security announced plans to refine visa-free transit and entry programs, digitize travel documents, and expand smart customs clearance. The measures aim to streamline entry for foreign visitors and support China's opening-up agenda. These changes build on recent expansions of visa-free policies that have already led to a 30% surge in visa-free entries, benefiting foreign travelers and businesses.

July 26, 2026
Industry 📊 Background

China to conduct 500-bln-yuan MLF operation to sustain banking liquidity

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced a 500 billion yuan (about $73.6 billion) one-year Medium-term Lending Facility (MLF) operation to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. The operation uses variable-rate tenders with fixed quantity and a multiple-price auction. With 400 billion yuan maturing this month, the net injection is 100 billion yuan, supporting bank lending and economic stability.

July 26, 2026
Trade 📋 Monitor

MOFCOM Spokesperson’s Remarks on Relevant Export Control Measures Targeting Japan

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) expanded export control measures against Japan by adding 20 Japanese entities to a restricted namelist and 20 to a watch list, effective June 29, 2026. These measures target entities involved in or suspected of contributing to Japan's military modernization, imposing stricter controls on dual-use item exports. The action is justified under China's Export Control Law and aims to counter Japan's perceived remilitarization, while claiming not to affect normal trade.

July 26, 2026
Trade 📋 Monitor

China-UK Export to China Trade Session (MOFCOM Briefing)

China's Ministry of Commerce and the UK Department for Business and Trade jointly hosted the 'Export to China' UK Session in London on July 1, 2026, as part of China's initiative to encourage UK exports. The event featured targeted business matchmaking across sectors like automobiles, energy, life sciences, and sporting events, with over 100 UK companies and 40 Chinese firms participating. This reflects China's commitment to expanding imports and deepening bilateral trade ties, including exploring a potential China-UK services trade agreement.

July 26, 2026
Trade 📊 Background

SAFE Releases Data on China's Foreign Exchange Reserve at the End of June 2026

China's foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 26 billion to USD 3.4163 trillion at the end of June 2026, a 0.75% decline from May. The drop was driven by a stronger US dollar and mixed global asset price movements, though the underlying economy remains stable. This data point indicates the impact of external financial conditions on China's external buffers.

July 26, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

SAFE Releases Data on External Financial Assets and Liabilities of China's Banking Sector as at the ...

SAFE released quarterly statistics on China's banking sector external financial position. As of end-March 2026, banks held $2,108.6 billion in external assets against $1,485.1 billion in liabilities, resulting in net external assets of $623.6 billion. The data highlights the currency structure and counterpart distribution of cross-border banking exposures, offering transparency into China's international financial linkages.

July 26, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

SAFE Releases Data on China's External Portfolio Investment Assets by Country/Region and by Sector o...

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) released data on China's external portfolio investment assets as of the end of 2025, totaling USD 1,987.5 billion. The portfolio is composed of USD 1,262.8 billion in equity investments and USD 724.7 billion in bond investments. The largest recipients include Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and offshore financial centers, while non-bank financial institutions hold the majority of assets. This data provides transparency into China's overseas investment patterns and sectoral distribution.

July 26, 2026
Technology 📊 Background

The Central Bank of the People's Republic of China

This PBC webpage contains a speech by a central bank official reflecting on Hong Kong's financial market progress since early 2025 and promotes a PBC series on central bank digital currency (CBDC). No new policy or regulatory requirement is introduced; it is a communication and research publication.

July 26, 2026
Regulation 📊 Background

USD/CNY Fixing Rate

This document explains how China sets the daily central parity rate (the 'fixing rate') for the yuan against the US dollar, a benchmark that anchors onshore trading. Each morning the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS) polls market makers, discards the highest and lowest quotes, and publishes a weighted average — with a 'counter-cyclical factor' added to damp sentiment-driven swings. It matters because this daily number shapes import/export pricing, corporate FX conversion costs, and capital-flow expectations for anyone doing business in China. It is a standing methodology description, not a new rule taking effect on a specific date.

July 26, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

PBOC Holds Meetings in Sichuan and Shaanxi to Advance Payment Service Optimization

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) held regional meetings in Chengdu and Xi'an to advance the optimization of payment services in Sichuan and Shaanxi. The goal is to improve card acceptance, cash, mobile payment, and account services, especially for elderly people and overseas visitors, by coordinating financial institutions and local authorities. While no new rules were issued, the meetings signal that the PBOC will continue pressuring banks and payment firms to make payment systems more accessible and convenient.

July 26, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

Notice of the PBOC, NFRA and CSRC on Issuing the Green Finance Endorsed Project Catalogue (2025 Edition)

The PBOC, NFRA, and CSRC have jointly issued a unified Green Finance Endorsed Project Catalogue (2025 Edition), which standardizes how green projects are identified across green financial products such as green loans and green bonds. The new catalogue aims to improve market efficiency, reduce project identification costs, and better support China's green transition and Beautiful China Initiative. It takes effect on October 1, 2025, with transition rules for existing financial products.

July 26, 2026
Taxation ⚡ Action Required

China further streamlines departure tax refund services

China's State Taxation Administration will digitize departure tax refunds for overseas visitors, allowing electronic transfer of applications and invoices to support paperless processing. From September 1, participating tax refund stores can share visitors' ID documents with refund agencies online for faster review, and a nationwide QR code service will let visitors submit refund details electronically. The agency also warns of stricter action against fraudulent refund schemes and smuggling, with stores involved facing disqualification.

Do now: If you operate a tax refund store or agency, update systems to support digital ID upload and online review by September 1, and review compliance with the new anti-fraud rules.
July 26, 2026
Taxation 📋 Monitor

BRI forum calls for closer tax cooperati...

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum has issued a call for enhanced tax cooperation among participating countries, emphasizing the need to reduce tax barriers and facilitate cross-border trade and investment. This signals China's continued push for multilateral tax collaboration but does not create immediate compliance obligations. It is a diplomatic communiqué rather than an enforceable policy change.

July 26, 2026
Taxation 📋 Monitor

Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters

This policy concerns China's participation in the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, an international framework developed by the OECD and Council of Europe. It allows tax authorities of participating jurisdictions to cooperate by exchanging taxpayer information and providing administrative help to prevent tax evasion and avoidance. China's adoption strengthens cross-border tax transparency and enforcement powers for its tax administration.

July 26, 2026
Taxation 📡 Signal

Income tax consequences of residency in China

This document explains how China determines an individual's tax residency status and the resulting income tax obligations. Individuals who are domiciled in China or spend 183+ days per year in the country are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are generally taxed only on China-source income. A special exemption allows expatriates to avoid Chinese tax on foreign-source income paid by foreign employers during their first years of Chinese residence. Employers and foreign employees need to track presence in China carefully because residency status drives payroll withholding and annual filing requirements.

July 26, 2026
Taxation 📋 Monitor

VAT administration information system

The State Taxation Administration has introduced a new or updated VAT administration information system. This system is designed to streamline VAT collection, improve compliance monitoring, and modernize tax administration through digital tools. The change matters for businesses as it may affect VAT reporting, filing procedures, and interaction with tax authorities.

July 26, 2026
Market Access 📡 Signal

2026 Negative List: Service Sector Liberalization

China plans to release the 2026 Negative List for Foreign Investment, further opening service sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, and education to foreign participation. This follows the full opening of the manufacturing sector in 2024 and represents the next major milestone in China's investment liberalization roadmap.

June 1, 2026
Trade 📋 Monitor

China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment — 2026 Implementation Milestones

Following renewed diplomatic engagement, China and the EU agreed on implementation milestones for key provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) through 2026. While full ratification remains pending, both sides committed to voluntary implementation of market access and sustainable development provisions.

June 1, 2026
Trade 📋 Monitor

China Carbon Market Expansion to Foreign Participants (2026)

China's national carbon emissions trading market was expanded in May 2026 to include eight new industrial sectors and, for the first time, allow qualified foreign institutional investors to participate in carbon credit trading. This opens new opportunities for foreign financial institutions and creates compliance obligations for foreign manufacturers.

May 1, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

Hainan FTP — Zero-Tariff Expanded + Offshore Headquarters Incentive 2.0

Hainan Free Trade Port expanded its zero-tariff policy to cover all production equipment and raw materials (previously limited to select categories). A new "Offshore Headquarters 2.0" incentive offers qualified multinational regional headquarters 5% effective CIT rate and full foreign exchange convertibility within the FTP.

May 1, 2026
Technology 📋 Monitor

Shanghai Lingang — Cross-Border Data Transfer Green Channel

Shanghai's Lingang Special Area launched a "green channel" for cross-border data transfers, allowing qualified enterprises to export operational data without the standard security assessment. This is specifically designed for multinational R&D centers, financial data processing, and global supply chain management systems operating from Lingang.

April 25, 2026
Industry 📋 Monitor

Belt and Road Initiative: Green Investment Guidelines (2026)

China issued updated green investment guidelines for the Belt and Road Initiative, prioritizing renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green finance. Foreign co-investors partnering with Chinese companies on BRI projects receive preferential access to Chinese development finance.

April 20, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

2026 National Unified Market — Removing Local Protectionism

China's State Council issued guidelines to accelerate the construction of a "National Unified Market," aimed at eliminating local protectionism, standardizing regulations across provinces, and ensuring that foreign-invested enterprises face consistent rules regardless of where they operate in China.

April 15, 2026
Industry 📋 Monitor

Jiangsu — Advanced Manufacturing Foreign Investment Action Plan

Jiangsu province released an action plan specifically targeting foreign investment in advanced manufacturing. The plan covers semiconductor fabrication, new energy vehicles, industrial robotics, biopharmaceuticals, and aerospace components, with dedicated industrial land, utility subsidies, and supply chain integration support.

April 10, 2026
Taxation 📋 Monitor

2026 R&D Super-Deduction Expansion for Foreign Enterprises

China expanded its R&D super-deduction policy effective April 2026, increasing the deduction rate to 120% for general R&D and 200% for strategic technology R&D (AI, semiconductors, biotech). For the first time, foreign-invested R&D centers are explicitly eligible on equal terms with domestic enterprises.

April 1, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

Chengdu-Chongqing — Western Region FDI Development Zone

As part of the "Western Development 3.0" strategy, Chengdu and Chongqing jointly launched a cross-city FDI development zone with enhanced incentives for foreign investors in logistics, clean energy, electronic information, and modern agriculture. The zone bridges the two megacities and leverages the China-Europe Railway Express hub.

March 25, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

2026 Special Bonds for Foreign-Invested Infrastructure Projects

China's Ministry of Finance allocated RMB 1.3 trillion in special-purpose bonds for 2026, with a new provision allowing qualified foreign-invested enterprises to bid on infrastructure projects funded by these bonds. This marks the first time foreign companies can access China's local government special bond market as contractors and co-investors.

March 20, 2026
Taxation 📋 Monitor

2026 Tax Incentive Updates for High-Tech Enterprises

China's 2026 tax incentive framework maintains and expands benefits for high-tech enterprises. The flagship HNTE (High and New Technology Enterprise) 15% CIT rate continues, super-deductions for R&D expenses are broadened, green tech enterprises receive additional incentives, and digital economy sectors are newly prioritized for preferential treatment.

March 15, 2026
Incentives 📊 Background

China Green Bond Market Opening to Foreign Issuers (2026)

China opened its green bond market to qualified foreign issuers in early 2026, allowing foreign companies and financial institutions to issue yuan-denominated green bonds in China's interbank market. Combined approvals and issuance procedures were streamlined to encourage participation.

March 15, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

2026 Government Work Report — FDI & Opening-Up Priorities

China's 2026 Government Work Report sets ambitious targets for foreign investment and economic opening. GDP growth target of ~5%, consumer price increase ~2%, deficit-to-GDP ratio of 4%. The report emphasizes "high-quality development" and "new quality productive forces" as key themes for foreign investment policy through 2030.

March 5, 2026
Legal 📋 Monitor

2026-2030 Foreign Investment Reform Framework (NPC)

The National People's Congress approved a five-year institutional reform framework for foreign investment covering 2026-2030. The framework targets deeper legal and regulatory reforms to create a more predictable, transparent business environment aligned with international standards.

March 5, 2026
Regulation 📋 Monitor

15th Five-Year Plan: Foreign Investment Priorities (2026-2030)

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), released in March 2026, positions foreign investment as a key lever for high-quality development. The plan introduces a strategic framework organized around three pillars: "Shop in China" (consumption), "Export to China" (trade upgrades), and "Invest in China" (investment promotion), signaling continued openness to foreign capital.

March 1, 2026
Trade 📋 Monitor

Guangdong-GBA — Cross-Border Wealth Management Connect 3.0

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) launched Wealth Management Connect 3.0, significantly expanding cross-border investment channels. Individual investment quotas were tripled, product scope broadened to include ETFs and green bonds, and participation extended beyond banks to include securities firms and fund managers.

March 1, 2026
Technology 📊 Background

Zhejiang — Digital Economy Foreign Investment Zone

Zhejiang province designated the Hangzhou-Ningbo corridor as a "Digital Economy Foreign Investment Zone," offering streamlined company registration, dedicated data infrastructure, and tax incentives for foreign technology companies establishing R&D centers or regional headquarters in cloud computing, AI, e-commerce, and fintech.

February 20, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

Beijing — International Consumption Center City FDI Incentives

Beijing released targeted foreign investment incentives as part of its "International Consumption Center City" master plan. Foreign retailers, hospitality groups, and consumer brands receive rent subsidies, fast-track licensing, and tax rebates for establishing flagship stores and regional headquarters in designated commercial zones.

February 15, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

2025 Catalogue of Encouraged Industries (Effective Feb 2026)

The new 2025 Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment took effect on February 1, 2026, expanding encouraged sectors to 1,679 items. The catalogue prioritizes advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech industries, and green energy, with special incentives for central/western regions and the Hainan Free Trade Port.

February 1, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

MOFCOM 2026 Foreign Investment Optimization Plan

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) unveiled a comprehensive plan to optimize foreign investment policies for 2026. Key measures include expanding market access, strengthening intellectual property protection, streamlining approval processes, and enhancing post-investment services for foreign enterprises already operating in China.

January 26, 2026
Legal 📋 Monitor

Foreign Talent Visa and Work Permit Reforms (2026)

China streamlined its foreign talent visa and work permit system effective January 2026, introducing a unified "Talent R" visa category, expedited processing for high-skilled workers, and expanded eligibility criteria benefiting foreign companies seeking to hire international expertise.

January 15, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

Shenzhen Foreign Investment Incentive Program (2026-2029)

Shenzhen launched an aggressive foreign investment incentive program effective January 1, 2026, offering 1%-3% cash incentives on new foreign investment exceeding USD 50 million, capped at RMB 50 million per year. The program is valid through 2027 for qualifying investments made between 2023 and 2027.

January 1, 2026
Incentives 📋 Monitor

Shanghai Foreign-Invested Enterprise Reinvestment Measures

Shanghai introduced a package of measures in December 2025 to encourage foreign-invested enterprises to reinvest profits and expand operations. The measures include flexible land-use policies, streamlined foreign exchange registration, simplified food retail licensing, and expanded Qualified Foreign Limited Partnership (QFLP) pathways.

December 26, 2025
Trade 📋 Monitor

Hainan Free Trade Port Full-Island Customs Operations

On December 18, 2025, Hainan became the world's largest free trade port with the commencement of full-island customs operations. The island is now designated as an independent customs zone operating under a "domestic yet offshore" framework, featuring broader tariff exemptions and simplified cross-border capital movements.

December 18, 2025
Trade 📋 Monitor

RCEP Implementation Phase 2: Tariff Reductions Accelerate (2025-2026)

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) entered its second implementation phase in November 2025, triggering another round of tariff reductions between China and member countries. Tariffs on thousands of additional product lines were reduced or eliminated, deepening Asia-Pacific trade integration.

November 1, 2025
Technology 📋 Monitor

National AI Industry Standards Framework (2025)

China published its comprehensive national standards framework for artificial intelligence, covering safety, ethics, data governance, and industry applications. The framework provides regulatory certainty for foreign AI companies and creates pathways for certification and market access.

October 10, 2025
Regulation 📋 Monitor

Cross-Border Data Transfer Regulations (Updated 2025)

China relaxed its cross-border data transfer rules in September 2025, exempting many routine business data transfers from security assessments. The updated framework simplifies compliance for foreign companies handling HR, procurement, and non-sensitive operational data.

September 15, 2025
Technology 📊 Background

Digital Economy Development Plan: Data as a Factor of Production (2025)

China's State Council released the Digital Economy Development Plan recognizing data as a formal factor of production. The plan opens significant opportunities for foreign companies in data infrastructure, cloud services, AI applications, and digital transformation consulting.

August 20, 2025
Regulation 📋 Monitor

2025 Action Plan for Stabilising Foreign Investment

China's State Council released a comprehensive 20-measure action plan in July 2025 to stabilize and attract foreign direct investment. The plan includes pilot openings in telecom and biotech, streamlined cross-border M&A rules, visa facilitation measures, and a groundbreaking provision allowing foreign-invested enterprises to access domestic loans for equity investment.

July 1, 2025
Market Access 📡 Signal

Third Plenum signals 'steady expansion of institutional opening-up'

The 20th CPC Central Committee's Third Plenum resolved to 'steadily expand institutional opening-up' — aligning rules, regulations, and management standards with international norms. The resolution names areas including intellectual property protection, cross-border data flows, and government procurement. No implementing regulations have been issued yet; this is a directional signal from a top-level party meeting.

July 18, 2024