Features & Analyses

China was promoting online dispute resolution even before the coronavirus outbreak. Now, the government wants to see more of it, as business in the country resumes. But questions remain as to whether it will catch on for international disputes.

As China looks to kickstart its economy following weeks of severe disruption, employers must balance obligations to minimize virus transmission risk and at the same time returning to normal operation as quickly as possible. What exactly must employers do before resuming operations? How can they reduce costs? Are layoffs allowed? Jonathan Isaacs, head of Baker McKenzie's China employment practice, answers your burning questions.

Casper Sek of Jin Mao Partners discusses the use of electronic contracts, and their validity and appropriateness for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak

With business disruption caused by the emergence of COVID-19 and possible failure to deliver on contractual obligations on the part of Chinese counterparties, foreign companies doing business in China must consider their contractual liabilities in order to mitigate their potential risks. Scott Yu, Frank Jiang and John Jiang of Zhong Lun Law Firm examine the implications. The authors are grateful for the assistance of Emily Xu and Evy Wu in preparing this article.

Wilson Wei Huo of Zhong Lun Law Firm discusses the recent SEC case involving PwC and highlights the wider implications for intermediary institutions providing professional services in a tightened regulatory and enforcement regime in China’s banking and financial sector

Marissa Dong and Jinghe Guo of Jun He Law Offices provide an overview of key developments in China’s Cybersecurity Law in 2019 and discuss the outlook for 2020.

Experts are telling clients they have three options: grant the exemption, fight it in court, or negotiate a compromise. [The original version of this article was published on Corporate Counsel.]

Zaiguang Lu of Han Kun Law Offices and Charles Wu of Han Kun Law Offices’ Hong Kong Association Law Firm review major pieces of legislation affecting China’s PE/VC industry and offer insight about the key trends, challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Frank Jiang and Emily Xu of Zhong Lun Law Firm provide an overview of the various opportunities and potential challenges to foreign investors amid China’s further opening-up of its financial sector

Daisy Duan and Linlin Cao of King & Wood Mallesons review and highlight the new individual income tax rules and major tax rules issued in 2019, which may impact on foreign companies doing business in China