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 …
Tom Pattinson
A new report published by Peking University, Sun Yat-sen University and Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall, offers one of the most data-rich portraits yet of online consumption in China. The China Online Consumer Brand Index (CBI) for 2023–2025, backed by big data from nearly a billion users, reveals a sharp shift in consumer behaviour, from price sensitivity to brand-driven, quality-first purchasing. Here are ten essential takeaways from the CBI that offer …
The 2025 Hainan Consumer Products Expo marked a milestone for UK businesses, with Britain as the guest country of honour. British brands showcased their innovation and heritage, capitalising on China’s growing consumer market. The Hainan Consumer Products Expo, held annually in Haikou, has emerged as a premier platform for global brands to engage with China’s burgeoning consumer market. In 2025, the event took on special significance for the UK, which …
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 …
The United States and China have agreed to reduce tariffs for three months, easing tensions in their ongoing trade war. In a surprising twist, the United States and China have decided to cool down their heated trade battle, agreeing to cut tariffs for the next three months. This move comes after months of back-and-forth in which both countries slapped hefty taxes on each other’s goods, causing worry about empty shop …
China’s economic reforms have opened new doors for foreign investors, but restrictions remain in key sectors. Understanding the 2024 Negative List and regulatory nuances is crucial for British businesses eyeing the world’s second-largest market. China’s economic allure, with a projected GDP growth of around 5% for 2025, continues to draw global investors, including British firms seeking to tap its vast consumer base and innovation-driven markets. However, the country’s foreign investment …
The Midlands is reinventing itself as a centre for green technology, life sciences, and digital innovation and attracting Chinese investment

