Laws and Regulations 

National 

1. Provisions on the Protection of Trade Secrets to Take Effect on June 1

[Keywords: Trade secrets]

The Provisions on the Protection of Trade Secrets will take effect on June 1, 2026. The document further refines and elaborates on the relevant provisions of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the People’s Republic of China, providing stronger institutional support for the protection of trade secrets and the maintenance of a fair and competitive market environment.

Source: Market Regulation Updates

 

2. NMPA Issues Compliance Guidelines for Online Retail Sales of Prescription Drugs

[Keywords: Prescription drugs, Online retail]

Recently, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the Compliance Guidelines for Online Retail Sales of Prescription Drugs. The document applies to entities engaged in the online retail sale of pharmaceuticals and providers of online pharmaceutical retail trading platform services within China. It sets out compliance requirements covering key areas such as business qualifications, information display, prescription review, dispensing and delivery, record retention, and platform management.

Source: NMPA

 

3. CNIPA Solicits Public Comments on Guidelines for Handling Patent Dispute Administrative Adjudication and Mediation Cases

[Keywords: Patent disputes, Administrative adjudication, Administrative mediation]

Recently, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) solicited public comments on the Guidelines for Handling Patent Dispute Administrative Adjudication and Mediation Cases (Draft for Public Comment). The document consists of two sections: Administrative Adjudication of Patent Infringement Disputes and Administrative Mediation of Patent Disputes. Public comments may be submitted until June 9.

Source: CNIPA

 

Shanghai

1. Shanghai Unveils Measures to Expand the Capacity and Enhance the Quality of the Service Sector

[Keywords: Service sector]

On May 25, the Implementation Opinions of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government on Advancing the Capacity Expansion and Quality Enhancement of the Service Sector was issued. The document sets out 21 measures across four key areas, aiming to achieve significant progress in the high-quality development of Shanghai’s service sector by 2030. Under the plan, the city’s value-added service output is expected to reach approximately RMB 6 trillion, while total imports and exports of services are projected to exceed USD 300 billion.

Source: Shanghai Municipal People’s Government

 

2. Shanghai Revises Rules on Blockchain-Empowered Electronic Documents in Pudong New Area

[Keywords: Pudong New Area, Electronic documents]

On May 27, the Decision of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress on Amending the Several Provisions of Shanghai on Promoting the Application of Blockchain-Empowered Electronic Documents in Pudong New Area was adopted. The document further clarifies the requirements for the development of blockchain infrastructure and encourages various blockchain infrastructure providers to engage in cross-chain collaboration, jointly building an open and scalable blockchain infrastructure system. The document took effect on June 1, 2026.

Source: Shanghai Municipal People's Congress

 

3. Shanghai Releases Eight Measures to Promote AI Micro-Short Dramas

[Keywords: AI micro-short dramas]

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism officially released the Several Measures of Shanghai to Accelerate the High-Quality Development of AI-Empowered Micro-Short Dramas. The measures set out eight initiatives, including establishing a technological support framework for “AI+ Micro-Short Dramas”, optimizing the supply of key production factors, and encouraging the creation of high-quality content.

Source: Shanghai Tourism

 

Q&A

An official of the Ministry of Commerce answered media questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on the 2026 Qingdao Multinationals Summit.

Q

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, how will China further expand high-standard opening-up, foster new advantages in attracting foreign investment, and support foreign-invested enterprises in investing and deepening their presence in China?

A

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the Ministry of Commerce will continue to advance high-standard opening-up with unwavering commitment, actively foster new advantages in attracting foreign investment, and support foreign-invested enterprises in investing and deepening their presence in China. We will focus on the following priorities:

First, we will deepen the opening up of the services sector and create new opportunities for foreign investment. Following the complete removal of foreign investment access restrictions in the manufacturing sector, we will further improve the negative list management system for cross-border trade in services and steadily expand voluntary opening up in sectors such as telecommunications, the Internet, education, culture and healthcare. We will also prudently advance pilot opening-up programs in areas including value-added telecommunications services, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. Furthermore, we will support foreign-invested service enterprises in extending their value chains and ensure that foreign investors enjoy access to both market and operation in sectors that have already been opened up. In addition, we will continue to advance the comprehensive pilot and demonstration programs for expanding the opening up of the services sector, while coordinating the development of platforms such as National Demonstration Zones for Innovative Development of Trade in Services and National Digital Trade Demonstration Zones, enabling foreign-invested enterprises to share in the benefits of the sector’s growth.

Second, we will align with high-standard international rules and build a new framework for institutional opening up. We will proactively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules and accelerate reforms of relevant systems and regulatory frameworks in areas such as intellectual property protection, government procurement and fair competition, so as to provide foreign-invested enterprises with a more stable, transparent and predictable business environment. At the same time, we will fully implement the strategy for upgrading pilot free trade zones and introduce a range of institutional innovation measures on a trial basis in areas such as trade in services, green trade and digital trade, fostering the development of new business forms and models.

Third, we will optimize the structure of foreign investment and foster new growth drivers. China has issued and implemented the 2025 edition of the Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment, which adds 205 new encouraged items. The Catalogue focuses on areas such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, high technology, and energy conservation and environmental protection, providing policy support for foreign-invested enterprises to expand into high-end and emerging sectors. Going forward, we will encourage more multinational companies to establish their research and development and high-end manufacturing operations in China, further optimizing the structure of foreign investment and strengthening innovation-driven growth.

Finally, we will strengthen full-cycle services and set a new benchmark for the business environment. We will effectively implement policies encouraging the reinvestment of foreign-invested enterprises in China and fully ensure national treatment for foreign-invested enterprises. Foreign-invested enterprises will be supported on an equal footing in participating consumption-boosting initiatives, government procurement, bidding and tendering, etc. Moreover, we will continue to hold roundtable meetings with foreign-invested enterprises, regularly update the list of key foreign investment projects, and carry out the “Service Support for Foreign-Invested Enterprises” initiative, creating an environment in which foreign investors are willing to come, able to stay, and well positioned to thrive in China.

We sincerely welcome foreign-invested enterprises to seize the new opportunities arising from China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up, expand their long-term investment in China, and share in the benefits of the country’s opening-up, vast market, and innovation-driven development, achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Source: SCIO

 

Expert Perspective

Observations on Foreign-Related Dispute Resolution in China in 2025: Institutional Innovation, Practical Developments and Future Prospects

By Liu Guolin and Duan Jiaqi [Grandall Law Firm]

[Article Summary]

The year 2025 marked a milestone in the development of China’s foreign-related dispute resolution framework. The Arbitration Law underwent its first comprehensive revision in nearly three decades, establishing the concept of the “seat of arbitration” and introducing ad hoc arbitration, marking a significant step toward alignment with international arbitration standards and practices.

This article provides a systematic review of five major legislative and institutional developments and ten representative cases from the year. It explores how businesses can shift from a reactive to a proactive strategy in cross-border dispute resolution by carefully designing contractual provisions to secure favorable jurisdiction and by making effective use of increasingly robust judicial recognition and enforcement mechanisms to achieve the cross-border enforcement of arbitral awards.

[Article Details]

I. Key Developments and Highlights in Foreign-Related Dispute Resolution and Rule of Law Development in 2025

The year 2025 marked a pivotal stage in the development of China’s foreign-related rule of law. From top-level institutional design to grassroots implementation, systematic progress was made across multiple fronts. Through a more proactive approach, a more comprehensive legal framework, and more innovative mechanisms, China has provided robust legal safeguards for advancing Chinese modernization while contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance.

The completion of the revision of the Arbitration Law can be regarded as a landmark development in the field of foreign-related dispute resolution. Improvements to the foreign-related litigation provisions of the Civil Procedure Law have provided a more practical legal foundation for resolving cross-border disputes. Through the Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of International Commercial Courts to Support High-Standard Opening-Up, the Supreme People’s Court introduced 15 specific measures to further optimize jurisdictional arrangements, enhance platforms for ascertaining foreign law, and improve mechanisms for the application of international treaties, thereby promoting the high-quality development of international commercial courts.

In October 2025, the International Organization for Mediation, the world’s first intergovernmental international organization dedicated specifically to resolving international disputes through mediation, officially commenced operations in Hong Kong. With more than 30 countries signing the convention establishing the organization, it filled a notable gap in the international rule of law framework.

(I) Systematic Revision of the Arbitration Law: Full Alignment with Internationally Accepted Practices

The revision of the Arbitration Law in 2025 represents the most significant legislative development of the year. Its key breakthroughs include the formal establishment of the “seat of arbitration” doctrine, the introduction of ad hoc arbitration, and the express recognition of the legal validity of online arbitration, bringing China’s arbitration regime into closer alignment with internationally accepted standards and practices.

1. Formal Establishment of the Seat of Arbitration System

2. Breakthrough Provisions on Ad Hoc Arbitration

3. Strengthening Arbitration Preservation and Interim Measures

(II) Optimization of the Foreign-Related Section of the Civil Procedure Law: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Judicial Safeguards

During 2024 and 2025, amendments to the foreign-related chapter of the Civil Procedure Law, together with the issuance of relevant judicial interpretations, further refined the rules governing foreign-related civil litigation.

1. Improvement of Jurisdiction Rules

2. Major Reform of the Service of Process System

3. Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Judgments

4. Further Clarification of Standards for Judicial Review of Arbitration

[To Be Continued]

 

One Week in Shanghai

Latest News

1. Consumption-Boosting Events for the Double Five Shopping Festival Roll Out Across Shanghai Districts

[Keywords: Double Five Shopping Festival]

The 2026 Shanghai Double Five Shopping Festival is in full swing. From weekend shopping discounts of up to 50% off, to immersive exhibitions showcasing the heritage of traditional kite-making, from nature-themed experiences at biological exhibitions to vibrant nighttime offerings featuring dining, sightseeing and entertainment, a wide range of consumption-promotion activities are being rolled out across Shanghai’s districts.

Source: Shanghai Release

 

2. 2026 List of Yangtze River Delta Integration Development Practical Projects Released

[Keywords: Yangtze River Delta integration]

Recently, at the 8th High-Level Forum for Integrated Development of the Yangtze River Delta, the 2026 list of practical projects supporting integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta region was unveiled. Covering ten key areas, including cross-regional government services, healthcare resource sharing, food safety, talent development, public services, culture, tourism and sports, the projects are designed to deepen regional coordination and deliver tangible benefits to residents across the region.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Development & Reform Commission

 

3. Global Medical Device Center for Training, Exhibitions, Trading, And Innovation Inaugurated in the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone

[Keywords: International business cooperation zone, Global medical device center for training, exhibitions, trading, and innovation]

Recently, a global medical device center for training, exhibitions, trading, and innovation was officially inaugurated in the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone. At the same time, the A3 International Medical Technology Innovation Exchange Center, a key inaugural project jointly developed by Boston Scientific, Danaher, and Siemens Healthineers, commenced operations as one of the first major projects to be established in the zone.

Source: International Services Shanghai

 

Corporate Activities

AEG Opens Its Experience Center in China

[Keyword: AEG]

Recently, German premium home appliance brand AEG officially opened its first experience center in China, AEG Jiajing, at the North Bund Jinmao Fashion Life Center in Shanghai. The center showcases AEG’s latest and most premium product lines, featuring two major application scenarios: kitchen appliances and laundry care solutions.

Source: Shanghai Hongkou

 

Forums and Exhibitions

1. 2026 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo to Open in June

[Keywords: Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo]

The 2026 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo in Technologies, Products and Achievements will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from June 10 to 12. Centered on the theme “Zero-Carbon Transformation, Empowered by Key Factors”, This year’s expo will feature three major components: themed exhibitions, a series of supporting events, and business matchmaking activities. Covering an exhibition area of 40,000 square meters, the event is expected to bring together nearly 300 enterprises.

Source: International Services Shanghai

 

2. Shanghai International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare 2026 to Be Held in June

[Keywords: Shanghai International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare]

From June 4 to 6, the Shanghai International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare 2026 will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Covering an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, the event will bring together nearly 680 leading enterprises from the senior care industry across 22 countries and regions. The exhibition will feature five exhibition zones, including a silver-age lifestyle zone, an innovation zone for rehabilitation and assistive devices, and a senior-friendly food zone.

Source: Shanghai Civil Affairs

 

Competitive Events

1. 2026 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix to Take Place in July

[Keywords: Formula E]

The 2026 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit on July 4 and 5. This marks the third consecutive year that Shanghai has hosted the event. The race will spotlight cutting-edge technology, innovation and sustainable development.

Source: Shanghai Release

 

2. Buick LPGA Shanghai to Be Held in October

[Keywords: Buick LPGA Shanghai]

The 2026 Buick LPGA Shanghai will be held in Sheshan, Shanghai, from October 15 to 18. The tournament will bring together LPGA Tour champions, major championship winners, rising stars and Olympic golfers for four days of competition. This year’s event has been comprehensively upgraded, with total prize money reaching USD 3.2 million, setting a new record for women’s professional golf tournaments in Asia.

Source: Shanghai Release

 

Culture & Art

1. Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum Launches Annual Exhibition "How Long Is the Silk Road?"

[Keywords: Dunhuang, Silk Road]

Recently, the annual exhibition “The Body as Measure: How Long Is the Silk Road?” officially opened to the public at the Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum in Changyang Vally. The exhibition brings together 65 precious cultural relics dating from the late Warring States period to the Tang Dynasty, alongside works created by 26 contemporary artists during their residencies in Dunhuang. Most of the exhibits are being presented to the public for the first time.

Source: Shanghai Yangpu

 

2. Applications Open for 2026 "Shanghai Gift" Branded Products Program

[Keywords: Shanghai Gift]

Recently, the Shanghai Commercial Association launched the application and selection process for the 2026 “Shanghai Gift” program. The initiative aims to identify and promote tourism products that embody Shanghai’s cultural heritage, tell Shanghai stories, showcase Shanghai style, and evoke Shanghai memories. Applications opened on May 30.

Source: Shanghai Tourism