Foreign companies are often approached by Chinese counterparts who express interest in products, services, or cooperation. Some of these approaches are genuine. Others are exploratory, opportunistic, or simply a way to add foreign credibility to an internal process. In this article, these five practical indicators may give you clues to confirm whether you are being taken seriously and help you decide whether to proceed, pause, or disengage before you leak time and know-how. •

Despite decades of international engagement, many assumptions about doing business in China remain stubbornly persistent. Some of these misconceptions are harmless oversimplifications. Others, however, can materially affect how foreign companies negotiate, hire, manage risk, and ultimately succeed, or fail. Below are five common misconceptions we frequently encounter when working with international companies, and how reality tends to differ once you move beyond first impres

January 2026 Contents E-Visa and Entry Policy Evolution: Easier Travel, More Conditional Access Data, Cybersecurity & Digital Regulations: Enforcement Overhaul Foreign Investment Laws: Balancing Self-Reliance with Foreign Capital Needs Export Control Policies: Critical Supply Chain & Dual-Use Focus As we look at 2026, several regulatory and policy trends are emerging in China that foreign companies, and those considering engagement with China, need to understand. These develo

By Dr. Hans Au - 3 May 2024 Since 2023 DCC offices in Beijing and Munich have received dozens of enquiries from mainland Chinese...