China Insights Series
Turn News Into Insights
There’s a lot of buzz over China news, but significantly less understanding of the drivers behind China’s political economy. We’re here to bridge that gap.
At TCG we strive to ‘turn news into insight,’ which helps cut through the noise for rookies and experts, alike. Our team of China Watchers from across the globe weigh in on issues that impact critical business and investment decisions in the Chinese market. If we’ve piqued your interest, then don’t be shy and read on, below!
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Cut through the noise on China’s business landscape with TCG’s China Insights
China Insight Articles
Time’s A-tickin’ for the TikTok Deal
As he undertakes a thorough review of Trump’s China policies, President Biden is expected to formulate a China strategy that puts American interests first and strengthens US competitiveness in the global market. While he maintains that his administration will take a different path than his predecessor, there is no doubt that heated competition is on the horizon - and TikTok may find itself at the forefront of the battle.
The Risk of China’s Stimulus Rollbacks to the Global Economy
China’s economy has made an impressive recovery since the onset of the pandemic, and the stringent health measures and targeted economic stimulus enacted by Beijing’s top leaders have been remarkably successful. However, with policymakers now beginning to phase out centrally-backed economic support, some are voicing concerns that a premature rollback could threaten an already reeling global economy.
The Long March Abroad for China’s Swelling Ranks of Global Giants
Chinese companies are increasingly looking towards foreign markets to unlock new growth opportunities abroad while diversifying away political risk at home. Haidilao and Tencent are two prominent examples of companies that have successfully entered foreign markets. While the two giants have vastly different approaches to expansion, together they have formed the golden standard by which other emerging companies seek to grow their global footprint.
‘Health Silk Road’ Gives the BRI a Rebranding
As BRI infrastructure projects stalled at the peak of the pandemic, Beijing found an opportunity to rebrand the decaying initiative. To maintain ties with BRI member countries while providing China the maneuverability to deflect Western criticism of its mishandling during the early stages of the pandemic, Beijing is in the midst of re-orientated the BRI to emphasize vaccine diplomacy through the new “Health Silk Road.”
China’s Emerging Sporting Frontier: eSports & Online Gaming
As the second largest eSports market in the world, China is cashing in on opportunities within the growing industry. Governmental support has elevated eSports to an officially mandated sport and has fostered career prospects for professional gamers in China. Yet, some of Beijing’s actions may be betraying its true outlook on eSports and undermining its short-term efforts to spur industry growth.
China’s Housing Market: A Tale of Economic Progress and Strife
A bubble-prone housing market has been one of the most challenging sectors within the vast array of economic issues that China has faced on its road to economic modernization. One of the key approaches harnessed by policymakers in Beijing has been to limit property loans as a curb for speculative activity; however, questions remain as to the long-term feasibility of this solution to China’s property value crisis.
Another Step Forward on China’s Long March Towards Improved IP Protections
Amendments to China’s Patent Law are set to take effect later this year. The changes promise to strengthen patent enforcement in China in a variety of areas and should allow foreign companies operating in China to better protect their intellectual property portfolios. However, changes to the Patent Law alone will not be enough to put an end to the predatory practices of forced technology transfer, and it remains to be seen how Chinese courts and regulators will interpret and enforce the amendments.
A Glimpse Into the Past, Present, and Future of Xi’s Bellwether City, Shenzhen
A historic speech given by China’s paramount leader Xi Jinping in late 2020 highlighted the past and future importance of Shenzhen, a city pivotal to the nation’s continued economic rise. Within his speech, Xi laid out a strategic vision for the future growth of the city, placing particular importance on economic reform, consumption-driven growth, and integration with the broader Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
Wuhan’s Recovery: From Epicenter to Economic Center in 365 Days
As the early epicenter of the pandemic, 2020 brought Wuhan countless challenges. One year later, the city is cautiously optimistic about its recovery. Despite COVID’s lingering impression on local consumer habits—particularly in the service industry—Wuhan’s slow but steady re-emergence as the tremendous industrial hub it once was serves as an excellent model for cities across the globe.
Katherine Tai: A Look at Biden’s Tough New Trade Representative
Boasting bipartisan support and a track record of effective work in US-China relations, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai shows unique promise for repairing trade relations that have bottomed at all time lows. Given her support in Washington and emphasis on cooperation over competition, Tai’s confirmation may mark a turning point in US foreign policy on China.
What the Proposed Changes to China’s Anti-Monopoly Law Mean for Businesses in China
After only a dozen years since promulgating its initial Anti-Monopoly Law, currently proposed revisions promise to strengthen anti-monopoly enforcement in China and reshape the regulatory landscape in the world’s second largest economy. Actions by regulators over recent years have shown a commitment to more vigorous monopoly busting, and supplementary draft regulations indicate that China intends for its enforcement to be as robust as that found in the West.
Veiled Intentions & Long-Term Mindset: Beijing Rejects Market-Oriented SOE Reform
A recent string of high-profile SOE defaults have revived hopes for market reform of China’s inefficient state sector. However, despite appearances to the contrary, Beijing continues to push for greater state control over the sector and an augmented role for SOEs in strategic industries and initiatives. As a result, the performance of China’s SOEs has stagnated and the state sector remains a burden to near-term economic growth.
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E-Commerce Lends a Hand to Eradicating Rural Poverty in China
In 2015, President Xi committed to eradicating rural poverty by the end of 2020, and despite the economic distress brought on by the pandemic, China declared its momentous victory. While a mix of state policy and private sector support were key to the campaign’s success, digital technologies such as e-commerce played a pivotal role in improving the quality of life in rural areas and have brought China one step closer to realizing a moderately prosperous society.
Michael Jordan, Bruce Lee and the Future of Trademarks in China
Michael Jordan and Bruce Lee have been making news in China’s trademark scene over recent years with cases aimed at protecting the legitimate IP rights of foreign persons and entities in China. Amendments to China’s trademark laws should provide broader protections to companies across the board; however, questions concerning whether owners of less well-known brands can find as effective enforcement as celebrities sporting household names remain.
US Policy Ups Ante for US-Listed Chinese Companies
Accounting fraud at two highly visible Chinese companies have shaken the confidence of global investors while prompting US policymakers and exchanges to push for stronger accounting requirements for overseas companies listed in the United States. Whether or not Chinese regulators will comply remains to be seen.
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