Research & Analysis

The European Union and the United States in July filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) new disputes against China regarding its raw materials export duties. Both complaints claim China export duties unfairly favor Chinese industry, which is against the laws of the organization. These complaints were filed just months before the 15-year anniversary of China’s entry into the WTO, and the deadline to remove China’s non-market status. As the deadline looms, many in the United States and the EU are worried about protecting themselves from overcapacity, especially in steel.

Heritage preservation has long been associated with the conservation of grand monuments driven by the state, but Kuanghan Li, director of Global Heritage Fund’s China Program, explains to Asia Society that NGOs could play the role of instigator and facilitator in heritage preservation projects.

China’s economy is changing rapidly thanks to the growing purchasing power of the expanding middle class and the digital disruption of multiple sectors. It is little wonder that competition for top Chinese talent—especially in fast-growing China-based companies—is becoming ever more intense. MNCs that can build strong leadership teams and an attractive culture—while demonstrating the opportunities for advancement to high-caliber local talent—will be more likely to attract the leaders they need to compete in the next phase of China’s economic transformation.

The Chinese government is increasing the levels of regulation for advertising, and lately its attention has turned to online advertising. Following in the footsteps of the amended 2015 Advertising Law, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce’s (SAIC) Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertising came into effect September 1. The new regulation clarifies what content is considered internet advertising, lays down rules for publishers of online advertisements, and outlines investigation measures and penalties for violators. Given the ubiquity of online advertising in China, the regulations will have a widespread impact on the actions of advertisers and platform operators.

The 2016-2020 National Fitness Plan creates great potential for foreign investment. This is particularly true with football, where foreign input is highly valued in China. However, sport is only one side of the coin: fitness also provides a large opportunity. Since the Fitness Plan aims to create more fitness facilities and infrastructure, demand for gyms and other such services will undoubtedly increase in the coming years.