01 Apr 2026
More recent developments
July 21, 2026
Beijing to impose consumption tax on lithium batteries and solar cells
The finance ministry (MoF) has announced that, starting September 1, lithium-ion batteries – a core input for new energy vehicles (NEV) – will be subject to a 2% consumption tax. The same applies to mercury-free primary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries,… Read More »
July 21, 2026
State Council pushes support for gig and migrant workers
The July 20 State Council executive meeting, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, signaled two policy priorities to improve the lot of workers: A "new social security model" for flexible workers Improved housing support for migrant workers, who rarely qualify for government-provided affordable rental housing Some context: China's roughly 240 million flexible and gig workers account… Read More »
July 21, 2026
Premier Li Qiang leans on the “six networks” to revive infrastructure spending
Premier Li Qiang is leaning on local governments to turn Beijing’s infrastructure blueprint into reality. At the July 20 State Council executive meeting, Li urged local governments to get moving in building China's "six networks" of major infrastructure – spanning water, power, computing,… Read More »