Institutional investors are encouraged to participate in corporate governance, business premises may be inspected for cybersecurity purposes and Beijing Municipality prohibits construction of new residential housing

A soil quality investigation is required for a change in land use

Shanghai-London Stock Connect comes closer to launch

Futures companies are now opened to foreign investors

China lowers import tariffs on MFN taxable items; Hainan province launches a blockchain research center in collaboration with the University College Oxford; and the State Council raises export tax rebate rate to stimulate trade.

Shamita Etienne-Cummings, partner at White & Case in Washington, D.C., and Bijal Vakil, partner at the firm in Silicon Valley, discuss the trends and significance of technology patents covering blockchain, fintech and autonomous vehicles sphere in the U.S. and China

Innovation lies in the heart of China's efforts in developing its dispute resolution mechanisms as it strives to stay at the top of the game in international disputes, especially with Belt and Road Initiative looming with endless possibilities of potential differences

Enterprises are restricted from purchasing housing in Shanghai

The scope of tax deferral is expanded for foreign investors, offering of bonds by foreign institutions requires approval and foreign programs may not be broadcast in prime time.