The Supreme Court has upheld a law targeting TikTok and its parent company ByteDance that will lead to the app being banned in the US from 19 January, but could President-Elect Trump save it when he is sworn into office on Monday, 20 January? We answer some pressing questions about the short video app Who or what is ByteDance? ByteDance is a Chinese-owned tech giant founded in March 2012 by …
As a potential US ban on TikTok looms, users have been flocking to download Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, pushing the app to number one on US app stores. But what is Xiaohongshu, and is it even like TikTok? With the US Supreme Court seeming increasingly likely to uphold a law banning TikTok over national security concerns unless parent company ByteDance sells the platform to a non China based company …
Social commerce, a blend of social media and e-commerce, has become a key part of the retail landscape in the country – so what are the top social commerce platforms in China, and the trends that British businesses need to know? Social commerce combines social interaction with online shopping, leveraging platforms where users can share, discuss, and directly purchase products. This seamless integration has created an engaging and influential ecosystem …
Data transparency and a commitment from businesses could help improve representation and begin eliminating barriers faced by women, writes Niu Yuhan for China Dialogue The second Thursday of COP29, 21 November, was Gender Day. The conference was drawing to a close, but, at last, a light was shone on the issue of gender equality. Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) decided to extend the Enhanced Lima …
From an explainer on fast fashion success story Shein to a deep dive on the Chinese whisky market, these were the top 5 China business stories that captured the most attention on FOCUS this year. 1. The long read: The rise and rise of whisky in China A rapidly growing demand for whisky in China has seen UK exports rise substantially, but the big players are not just looking to …
This year at FOCUS, Paul French has interviewed the author of a different new book on China. From history to economics, business case studies to geo-politics – the successful business person in China needs to grasp all these elements. So as the year comes to a close, here’s our round-up of those books, ranging in topic from Chinese urbanism to Deng Xiaoping’s legendary Southern Tour. Click the book titles to …
The China-Scotland Business Awards 2025 will recognise and celebrate achievements in trade and investment between Scotland and China. The winners of the 9th annual awards will be announced at a special ceremony during the China-Britain Business Council’s Chinese-Burns Supper on 30 January 2025 in Glasgow. Click here to buy tickets to the Chinese Burns Supper Introducing the shortlist for the China-Scotland Business Awards 2025 China Welcome of the Year This category is a reflection of …
Q&A platform Zhihu is often referred to as the “Chinese Quora,” and while it may not be that well-known in the West, it is one of China’s top social media platforms and has been backed by Tencent, Innovation Works and JD.com, writes Robynne Tindall. When it comes to social media marketing in China, the first platforms that spring to mind will almost certainly be WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin. While Zhihu …
In its manifesto, the Labour Party made a commitment to “improve the UK’s capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses through an audit of our bilateral relationship.” As part of that audit, CBBC has made a submission to the UK Government with its views on the business landscape and opportunities for its members in China, based in part on a number of round tables with members and …
As of 17 December 2024, China now offers visa-free transit for 10 days for citizens of 54 countries (including the UK), the latest in a series of moves aimed at attracting tourists The policy allows foreign travellers transiting through the country to enjoy a 10-day stay in 24 provinces (via 60 entry/exit points) without a visa. Note that this is a transit visa, so it only applies to travellers flying …