Retail Trade and Distribution

Biden administration expands Trump-era investment ban on Chinese firms with alleged military ties; China customs names and shames foreign brands for importing defective children's products; and SAFE approves record QDII quota

Foreign producers of specific foodstuffs require recommendations by their relevant government department

Operators of critical information infrastructure bear heightened counter-espionage security obligations

Live streaming marketing platforms are required to protect consumer rights and personal data privacy

CBIRC finalizes online lending rules requiring strict loan finance ratios; U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns of dire economic impact of decoupling; and China replaces U.S. as EU's biggest trading partner in goods

Sanctions and export controls remained the primary tools of the Trump administration for restricting Chinese entities' access to U.S. technology. The administration has fine-tuned export controls to extend U.S. jurisdiction to more transactions, a primary focus being Chinese companies with military ties due to China's state policy of military-civilian fusion.

Chinese companies may request compensation for unjustified foreign sanctions.

Qualifications recognition of mining assessors is relaxed

China's military-civil fusion was a major target of U.S. sanctions and export controls in 2020. Chinese companies saw their access to U.S. technology severely restricted by the expanded extraterritoriality of export control rules as well as new lists compiled by various government agencies targetting specific Chinese military end-users.