Services

A modest pay increase in China’s financial hub reflects wider national efforts to balance economic pressures with social stability From 1 July 2025, Shanghai raised its monthly minimum wage from RMB 2,690 (£288) to RMB 2,740 (£294), a relatively conservative increase of less than 2%. The city’s hourly minimum wage also climbed from RMB 24 (£2.57) to RMB 25 (£2.68). While Shanghai retains the highest minimum wage in the country, …

Whether you want to regain control, stay in the market or make a clean break, here’s how to manage a breakdown with your Chinese distributor, and how to avoid it becoming a full-blown disaster If Part 1 of this series focused on what brands must do to prepare before signing with a Chinese distributor, Part 2 explores the more difficult scenario: what happens if that relationship breaks down? As Zarina …

Making sure you have the right distributor before you enter the market is essential to ensure your brand’s IP is protected and you won’t come unstuck further down the line. In the first of this two-part series, we explain what to do in advance of finding a Chinese partner It’s no secret that the Chinese market offers immense opportunities for international brands. But engaging a distributor without thorough preparation can …

China’s latest rules on facial recognition technology introduce mandatory registration for companies handling significant volumes of personal data, alongside a practical guide to compliance In an era where facial recognition technology is increasingly embedded in daily life, from unlocking smartphones to streamlining payments, China has introduced robust regulations to ensure its responsible use. On March 21, 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) …

As China continues to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse, protecting intellectual property (IP) in the country remains a critical concern for British businesses seeking to enter or expand in this dynamic market. With rapid advancements in legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and technological tools, China’s IP landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. However, challenges persist, particularly for foreign companies navigating its unique legal and cultural environment Understanding China’s …

China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (AFSL), in place since June 2021, has been updated with new regulations from the State Council, released in March 2025. These clarify how the law works and what it means for businesses operating in China. For British companies, particularly those balancing operations in China with ties to markets like the UK or US, it’s worth understanding these rules to stay on the right track. What’s the …

A step by step guide on how to open a bank account in China

China’s comprehensive 10-point monetary policy package, unveiled in May 2025, aims to stabilise financial markets and spur economic growth, offering new prospects for British businesses in a dynamic yet challenging landscape.

China’s updated 2025 Negative List for Market Access eases restrictions for British investors, opening doors in healthcare, education, and cultural sectors while introducing new oversight for tech industries.

For UK travellers heading to China, securing a local mobile phone SIM card can transform the experience, ensuring reliable connectivity to accessing maps, translation apps, and local services like WeChat, which are integral to daily life. While international roaming offers familiarity, the costs can be prohibitive, and many foreign apps, such as WhatsApp or Google, are inaccessible without a VPN due to China’s internet restrictions. A local SIM card not …