China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) held its annual meeting in the beginning of March to review past policies and make plans for the coming year. The meeting was immensely significant, as it revealed China’s leadership’s decision on future development, economic priorities and goals, and amendments to China’s constitution.

USCBC hosted a lunch briefing with Mr. Andy Rothman, Investment Strategist, Matthews International Capital Management, who discussed the possible impacts on the economy from decisions made at the National People’s Congress, and forecasted the economic outlook for 2018.

Every year in March, China’s national legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC) convenes in Beijing to review past policies and make plans. This year’s meeting was particularly significant because it revealed new personnel modifications in the Chinese Communist Party, among other major changes.

The US-China Business Council (USCBC) hosted a panel discussion on the implications of the NPC meeting outcomes for policy, US-China relations, and economic reforms, on March 20. Speakers included John Holden, CEO of the US-China Strong Foundation, Amy Celico, a principal of the Albright Stonebridge Group and leader of their DC-based China team. The event was moderated by Anna Ashton, Director of Business Advisory Services at the US-China Business Council. 

Multinational companies face growing challenges in structuring employment for foreign nationals in China. Companies need to not only consider business needs, but also individual demands and laws across a range of jurisdictions. Particularly as laws and regulations regarding expatriate work arrangements change, companies require clear legal guidance on visas and employment laws, tax implications, employee benefits, running global internship programs and other issues.

To help companies understand the complex legal and practical aspects of bringing international talent in China, the US-China Business Council (USCBC) hosted member companies at a morning briefing on the topic. Zheng Lu, a Partner at Baker McKenzie who specializes in strategic employment counselling, talked about the employment landscape for foreign nationals in China. Nancy Lai, a Partner in the Baker McKenzie’s taxation practice, discussed tax-related issues from both the corporate and individual perspective. Jeremy Friedlein, the Director of CET Shanghai, spoke on how companies can legally hire foreign interns under the new S2 visa program, as well as how visa regulations are impacting early career professionals. 

USCBC hosted a small roundtable with Doug Bell on March 7 from 11 am – 12 pm in its DC office. Bell is Deputy Assistant Secretary Trade and Investment Policy at the Treasury Department, and formerly served at USTR and on the National Security Council. Bell addressed the recent changes to Treasury’s structure in handling China issues and the administration’s trade policy, but also led an interactive discussion with companies about their priorities and concerns in China.