Research & Analysis

by Jack MarkellFor years, the story most Americans have heard about jobs and Asia has been about losing our jobs to the East. We all know the plot: The Chinese economy is evolving at a nearly unfathomable rate, and Chinese exports seem to dominate our grocery stores and shopping malls. But now, the plot is […]

By studying local consumers, developing vehicles to suit local needs, and benefiting from the country’s economic stimulus incentives, GM has reaped success in China.One of the world’s largest automakers, General Motors Co. (GM) and its partners produce cars and trucks in 30 countries under 12 major brands. With its global headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, the […]

Though Jiujiang has a strong transportation network and industrial base, foreign investment has just started to take off in the city.by David LammieJiujiang, whose name means “nine rivers” in Chinese, is situated in northern Jiangxi in central China. To the south of this picturesque city lies the famous Lushan Mountain; to the east is Poyang […]

by Robert Poole The first quarter of 2011 brought important developments that will affect the course of business in China for US companies. PRC President Hu Jintao made a state visit to the United States in January, helping set a broad framework for further contact and cooperation between the two countries. And China’s National People’s […]

by Christine Kahler The PRC Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) in February released widely anticipated regulations to institute security reviews for foreign mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that relate to China’s national security. The Notice on the Security Review of Foreign M&A of Domestic Enterprises includes specific procedures, more regulatory hurdles, and possible barriers to approvals for […]

Though China’s evolving standards system differs from its Western counterparts, US companies can take steps to participate. by Ryan Ong China’s standards and conformity assessment system shapes many hot button issues—from product safety to indigenous innovation. For companies across sectors, standards are crucial to building and expanding product markets, as they provide the “ground rules” […]

As China’s demographics shift in the coming years, the country must prepare for slower growth and greater risks of instability. by Richard Jackson China stands on the threshold of a stunning demographic transformation with profound implications for economic growth and social and political stability. For the past three decades, China’s unusually favorable demographics, with a […]

Recent labor unrest may bring more challenges ahead for foreign companies operating or investing in China. by Luming Chen and Samuel Estreicher A series of labor conflicts erupted in China in 2010. Various foreign-invested factories concentrated in China’s coastal areas experienced a string of labor-related protests and strikes. These publicized conflicts may signal the end […]

Corporate compliance programs must address the risk of improper disclosures of sensitive technical or commercial information. by Mitchell A. Silk and Jillian S. Ashley State control of information has been a focus of PRC regulation since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. Despite several updates to laws governing “state secrets” in China over […]

Communications strategists must consider China’s media, market forces, and government structure to get their message across effectively. by Gregory P. Gilligan Communicating a message effectively in China requires understanding the subtly moving parts of the country’s complex operating environment. Government-controlled media, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) interests, economic reforms, and rapidly expanding Internet use all […]