China Business

Chinese security personnel may place foreign government officials, journalists, and business people with access to advanced proprietary technology under surveillance. Hotel rooms and personal computing devices for these categories of visitors may be subject to search without the consent or knowledge of the traveler. ...

Americans in China who are not staying at hotels, including Americans who are staying with friends or relatives, must register with local police. Americans who are questioned by police should immediately notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate. Foreigners detained for questioning may not be allowed to contact their national authorities until the questioning is concluded. Foreigners detained pending trial have often waited over a year for their trial to begin. Foreigners suspected of committing a crime are rarely granted bail. Criminal punishments, especially prison terms, are much more severe than in the United States. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Criminal penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offend ... [Read More]

Gutierrez Urges China To Speed Progress on Bilateral Trade Issues- U.S. Department Of State

Since 1979 China has averaged 9 percent GDP growth, which is just phenomenal.  China is now America's third largest trading partner and our fastest growing export market.  Since China joined the WTO, U.S. exports to China are up 80 percent.  Economic engagement also produces benefits that transcend individual financial statements.  We are doing more than just conducting business.  Men and women doing business in China are introducing values:  values of transparency, values of the rule of law, values for respect of property rights, individual freedoms, even business values.  We hope that the U.S. businesses are providing training programs, providing new skills, providing new ways of looking at things.  So you're making a contribution well beyond just what you're doing for your business.  You are truly impacting society in a very positive way and you're contributing to society. ... [Read More]

U.S. Extends Visa Validity for Chinese Tourist and Business Travelers

U.S. Extends Visa Validity for Chinese Tourist and Business Travelers ...

Beginning January 15, 2005, eligible Chinese nationals who wish to visit the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) will be issued visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple entries. The previous maximum validity for U.S. visas issued for these purposes was six months and for multiple entries. ...

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also agreed to reciprocally issue to U.S. citizens visiting China on temporary business and tourism visas valid for 12 months and multiple entries. ... [Read More]

Doing Business in International Markets

Bureau of Economic and Business AffairsDoing Business in International Markets [Read More]

China (03/05)

The United States is one of China's primary suppliers of power generating equipment, aircraft and parts, computers and industrial machinery, raw materials, and chemical and agricultural products. However, U.S. exporters continue to have concerns about fair market access due to strict testing and standards requirements for some imported products. In addition, a lack of transparency in the regulatory process makes it difficult for businesses to plan for changes in the domestic market structure. ... [Read More]

China’s Emergence as an Economic Superpower and Its Implications for U.S. Business

In securities and equities, last year Goldman Sachs received approval to form and control a joint venture securities firm in China, the first and only of its kind. We would like to see market opening of securities firms expanded. China's stock market is mired in a prolonged slump for reasons largely related to poor management and business practices by its securities firms. Foreign competition and management practices would help considerably, enabling Chinese stock markets to become a more robust source of capital formation for Chinese businesses. ... [Read More]

Tips for Travelers to China

Passport Confiscation and Business Disputes If you are planning to conduct business in China, please be vigilant in investigating the companies you plan to work with to ensure they are reputable or to learn whether a prior history of disputes exists. The confiscation of foreign passports of persons involved in business disputes has increased in China in recent years, frequently resulting in individuals being placed under house arrest or being unable to leave China until the dispute is satisfactor ... [Read More]

U.S. Economic Policy in Asia

first, to open markets for U.S. goods and services; this is fundamental not only to our economic well being, but to our national security as well; second, to improve the region’s overall business environment; third, to maintain a stable macro-climate favoring open trade and growth; and fourth, to encourage regional cooperation.Finally, I would like to recognize and welcome the positive role that you -- the American businesses actively working, trading, and investing in the region -- can play in support of this policy agenda. As Secretary Rice stated in a recent m ... [Read More]