Laws and Regulations

 

National

 

1. Regulations on the Administration of Clinical Research and Clinical Translational Application of New Biomedical Technologies Issued

[Keywords: Biomedical sciences, Clinical]

 

The Regulations on the Administration of Clinical Research and Clinical Translational Application of New Biomedical Technologies was issued recently. It aims to regulate clinical research and translational application of emerging biomedical technologies, foster scientific and technological advancement and innovation in medicine, ensure the quality and safety of healthcare, and safeguard human dignity and health. The document will take effect on May 1, 2026.

 

Source: Website of the Chinese Government

https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202510/content_7043790.htm

 

2. Guidelines on Major Preferential Tax Policies for Enterprise Mergers and Restructurings Issued

[Keywords: Mergers and restructurings]

 

Recently, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration released the Guidelines on Major Preferential Tax Policies for Enterprise Mergers and Restructurings. The document consolidates the currently effective policies on tax incentives and documents on tax collection and administration that support corporate mergers and restructurings, and sets out the eligible entities, applicable scenarios, policy provisions, implementation requirements, and legal bases for different categories of merger and restructuring activities.

 

Source: State Taxation Administration

https://fgk.chinatax.gov.cn/zcfgk/c100022/c5233103/content.html

 

3. People’s Bank of China and Central Bank of Iceland Renew Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement

[Keywords: Iceland, Currency swap]

 

On October 15, the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Iceland renewed their bilateral currency swap agreement to deepen financial cooperation, facilitate bilateral trade and investment, and jointly safeguard financial stability. The agreement provides for a swap line of RMB 35 billion / ISK 700 billion and will remain in force for five years.

 

Source: People’s Bank of China

 

Shanghai

 

1. Shanghai Unveils Measures to Accelerate Frontier Technology Innovation and Foster Future Industries

[Keywords: Frontier technology, Future industry]

 

Recently, the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government issued the Several Measures on Accelerating Frontier Technology Innovation and the Cultivation of Future Industries. The document sets out 15 initiatives across six dimensions, namely, focusing on priority sectors, strengthening support for critical stages, energizing enterprise innovation, building industrial clusters, optimizing support for key production factors, and establishing a dynamic cultivation system. The document took effect on September 26, 2025, and will remain valid through September 25, 2030.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-PolicyInsights/20251013/3c1d65a84b83472c8b75f267f5b32b05.html

 

2. Development Plan for the Second Batch of Collaborative Innovation Zones of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Released

[Keywords: Pilot Free Trade Zone, Collaborative Innovation Zones]

 

Recently, the Leading Group for Advancing the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone issued the Development Plan for the Second Batch of Collaborative Innovation Zones of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. The document designates eight new key areas , including the Hongqiao International Central Business District, together with the entirety of five state-level economic and technological development zones, such as the Minhang Economic & Technological Development Zone, as the second-batch “8+1” Collaborative Innovation Zones.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

3. Shanghai Advances the Development of Smart Terminal Industry

[Keywords: Smart terminal industry]

 

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization issued the Action Plan (2026–2027) for High-quality Development of Shanghai’s Smart Terminal Industry. The document outlines three actions comprising 20 measures, with the goal that by 2027 Shanghai’s smart terminal industry will continue to expand in both scale and strength, reaching a total output exceeding RMB 300 billion. The city aims to develop over three globally influential consumer-grade terminal brands, foster two leading enterprises, and achieve the three “10 million” milestones, meaning that the annual output of AI-powered computers, AI-enabled smartphones, and AI-powered new terminals will each exceed 10 million units.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Policies/20251015/8e12004d419b45f1bf913de569d8ce2b.html

 

4. Shanghai Third Intermediate People’s Court: Serves and Supports Shanghai’s Development as an International Sci-tech Innovation Center

[Keywords: Sci-tech innovation]

 

Recently, the Shanghai Third Intermediate People’s Court (which also serves as the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court and the Shanghai Railway Transport Intermediate Court) issued the Implementation Opinions on Strengthening Intellectual Property Adjudication in the New Era to Serve and Support Shanghai’s Development as an International Sci-tech Innovation Center. Centered on “protecting innovation outcomes, supporting market entities, and optimizing ecosystem”, the document sets out nine key tasks across three focus areas.

 

Source: Shanghai High People’s Court

 

Q&A

 

At Shanghai’s press briefing on the Several Measures on Accelerating Frontier Technology Innovation and the Cultivation of Future Industries, a responsible official of Pudong New Area responded to media questions: 

Q

Pudong has already launched the development of future-industry clusters. What advantages does Pudong hold in cultivating and growing future industries? What specific considerations guide the creation of future industry clusters?

A

Pudong is both an industrial and sci-tech powerhouse of Shanghai. It is the principal platform for Shanghai’s three leading industries and the main arena for building Shanghai into an international sci-tech innovation center. Bearing firmly in mind its national strategic mission, Pudong takes sci-tech innovation as the driver, actively develops emerging industries, makes forward-looking arrangements for future industries, and advances the development of new-quality productive forces in light of local conditions.

Pudong’s innovation ecosystem is vibrant. A total of 14 national large-scale scientific facilities have been completed, under construction, or planned. A number of top-tier R&D institutions，such as the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute and the Shanghai Zhangjiang Institute for Mathematics, have taken root. We have also formed a full-chain innovation incubation system comprising incubators, accelerators for sci-tech enterprises, and Group Open Innovation (GOI) Centers.

Pudong’s advantages in leading industries are pronounced. In 2024, the output of Pudong’s three leading industries reached RMB 832.3 billion, accounting for 46% of the city total. Of this, the integrated circuit industry represented 75% of the city’s output and roughly one-fifth of the national total, while the biopharmaceutical and AI sectors each accounted for 40% of the city’s output. The added value of strategic emerging industries made up 53.6% of the total industrial output of enterprises above designated size, representing 41.2% of the citywide figure.

New drivers of growth are taking shape at a faster pace. A number of high-level innovation platforms at the scientific frontier, such as the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center and the Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Center, have been established. As one of the first Future Industry Pilot Zones in Shanghai, Zhangjiang has fostered clusters in embodied intelligence and silicon photonics in areas including Model Power Community, Robotics Valley, and Hi-tech Park. The Shanghai Future Start Community has now established its base in Zhangjiang.

Moving forward, Pudong will implement the requirements of the Several Measures with a more open vision, more forward-looking arrangement and more pragmatic measures, and strive to form several world-leading future industry clusters by 2030.

Firstly, Pudong will sustain focus on key sectors. Pudong will advance the “Zhangjiang — A New Start” strategy and move full speed to build the Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town. Centering on future information, future manufacturing, future health and future energy, Pudong will accelerate technological breakthroughs, expand real-world applications, attract and nurture enterprises, and gather talent, with a view to establishing a state-level future industry pilot zone.

Secondly, Pudong will continue to increase supply for innovation and entrepreneurship space. Pudong will accelerate the implementation of the “Two 1-million” policy, namely, 1 million square meters of low-rent apartments for young people and 1 million square meters of low-rent start-up space, to ensure low-cost innovation and entrepreneurship. A comprehensive policy toolkit will be implemented to revitalize industrial space and develop a number of distinctive parks for future industries.

Thirdly, Pudong will continue to leverage financial strengths. Pudong will give full play to the guiding role of the Fund-of-Funds for the Three Leading Industries, the Future Industry Fund, the Pudong Leading Area Fund, the Sci-tech Fund-of-Funds and the Angel Fund-of--Funds, expand patient capital, explore optimization of the venture capital system, and deepen linkages between investment promotion and investment, and between incubation and investment.

Fourthly, Pudong will continue to enhance policy support. With support from relevant municipal departments, Pudong has already issued dedicated policies including the Sixteen Policies to Support the Embodied Intelligence Industry and the Ten Measures for the High-quality Development of Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town. Seizing the opportunity of the new round of policy adjustments for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), Pudong will further refine a future-oriented, open and inclusive, and highly coordinated policy framework to provide robust safeguards for the development of future industries.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

Expert Perspective

 

A Quick Comment on the 2025 Arbitration Law — Steady Progress with Promising Prospects

 

By He Junming (Shanghai United Law Firm)

 

[Continued from the Previous Issue]

(I) Comprehensive Enhancement of the Internationalization of China’s Commercial Arbitration System

4. The 2025 Arbitration Law moderately expands the scope of foreign-related arbitration to broaden China’s capacity in this field.

Article 78 of the 2025 Arbitration Law retains the enumeration of “foreign-related economic, trade, transportation and maritime” disputes, while adding a catch-all clause for “other disputes involving foreign-related factors”. When considering this article with Article 93, which references the newly added Chapter IX “Sports Arbitration” of the Sports Law of the People’s Republic of China, and Article 94, which echoes recent practices by institutions including the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration to extend jurisdiction to investment arbitration, it is evident that the amendment of the Arbitration Law of the People’s Republic of China seeks to provide more comprehensive and robust legal support for the full-spectrum development of China’s foreign-related arbitration and not just a sole emphasis on commercial arbitration. Coupled with the policy signal in Article 87 encouraging parties to choose China as the seat of arbitration, these changes aim to strengthen China’s initiative and presence in the international dispute resolution arena.

5. The 2025 Arbitration Law is more closely aligned with the New York Convention to advance reciprocity and strengthen external countermeasures.

Article 88 of the 2025 Arbitration Law harmonizes the jurisdictional connections for the recognition and enforcement of “foreign arbitral awards”. Courts in multiple locations may now accept cases, including those at the respondent’s place of domicile, the location of property, the applicant’s place of domicile, or any place which has a proper connection with the dispute. This multi-layered jurisdictional network breaks through the limitations of a conventional single connecting factor, greatly facilitating both domestic and foreign creditors, and is expected to materially enhance the timeliness and certainty of judicial relief.

At the same time, Article 88 clarifies the order of applying the “principle of reciprocity” — treaties take precedence, followed by reciprocity — and, for the first time at the statutory level, introduces a “reciprocal restrictions” clause. This creates a potential legal basis for judicial countermeasures amid escalating trade frictions. It enables Chinese courts to effectively achieve a law-based synergy with domestic legislation, such as the Measures for Blocking the Improper Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Laws and Measures, in an increasingly complex international environment, and to leverage the domestic Arbitration Law as a vehicle to further enhance China’s influence in the rule of law in foreign-related matters.

[To be Continued]

 

One Week in Shanghai

 

Latest News

 

1. World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) 2025 General Assembly Opens in Shanghai

[Keyword: WFEO]

 

On October 13, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) 2025 General Assembly opened in Shanghai under the theme “Engineering Shapes a Green Future”. The event is co-hosted by the WFEO, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Approximately 760 participants, including government officials, representatives of engineering organizations, scientists and engineers, and business leaders from China and abroad, attended the opening ceremony.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20251014/a57f74220a494ac5a2dcd205d33c155a.html

 

2. Second World Conference on China Studies Opens in Shanghai

[Keywords: World Conference on China Studies]

 

The Second World Conference on China Studies was recently held in Shanghai under the theme “Historical and Contemporary China: A Global Perspective”. The event is hosted by the State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and relevant universities, and organized by the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Approximately 500 participants from over 50 countries and regions attended the event.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

3. 6th Meeting of the Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council Held in Shanghai 

[Keyword: Singapore]

 

On October 15, the 6th Meeting of Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council convened in Shanghai. The meeting featured the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing and project unveiling ceremony for bilateral cooperation projects. Government departments, institutions and enterprises from both sides signed 18 MOUs covering Belt and Road cooperation, financial collaboration, technological innovation, the digital economy, urban governance, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The “2025 Singapore-Shanghai Culture Week” opened concurrently.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20251016/24ebb55c0d7041b18609343a219dcc3f.html

 

Corporate Activities

 

1. Boehringer Ingelheim Launches Localized Production of its Blockbuster Drug in Pudong

[Keywords: Boehringer Ingelheim]

 

Global biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the official launch of its localized production plan for its blockbuster anti-diabetic medicine Trajenta® (linagliptin) at the Zhangjiang Human Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Base in Pudong. This move is a key step in the company’s strategy to deepen its presence in China and marks a new leap from commercial operations to a deeper integration within the industrial chain in the Chinese market.

 

Source: Pudong Release

 

2. Novo Nordisk’s “Modernized Pharma Warehouse” in Pudong Now Fully Operational

[Keywords: Novo Nordisk]

 

Novo Nordisk has once again upgraded its presence in China: the company’s modern warehousing and logistics center in the Pudong Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone is now fully operational. Featuring intelligent workflows and systematic high-standard controls, the facility provides end-to-end precision temperature control and secure traceability from warehousing to shipment for medicines treating diabetes, obesity and other conditions, establishing a benchmark for standardized cross-border pharmaceutical supply chains.

 

Source: Pudong Release

 

3. Qair Group Establishes Asia-pacific Regional Headquarters in Minhang

[Keyword: Qair]

 

Recently, Shanghai Qair Energy Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qair International (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd, under France’s leading renewable energy company Qair, was officially registered and settled in Xinhong Sub-district, Minhang District.

 

Source: Minhang Today

 

Competitive Event

 

1. Registration Opens for the 3rd Shanghai FIEs Pickleball Friendship Tournament

[Keywords: Pickleball Friendship Tournament]

To enhance exchanges among foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and showcase the athletic strengths and positive spirit of their employees, the Shanghai Foreign Investment Association will host the 3rd Shanghai FIEs Pickleball Friendship Tournament as part of the 2025 Shanghai City Amateur League on November 22. Registration is open until October 31.

 

Source: Shanghai Foreign Investment Association

 

Forum & Exhibition

 

1. 2025 World Laureates Forum to Be Held Soon

[Keywords: World Laureates Forum]

The 2025 World Laureates Forum, themed “Science in Future: Shanghai and the World”, will take place at the Lingang Center in Shanghai from October 24 to 26. This year’s forum will bring together 25 recipients of top international accolades, including the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Wolf Prize, and Fields Medal, alongside numerous academicians, leading experts and scholars from home and abroad, and outstanding young scientists. The program will feature one main forum, six sub-forums, and over 10 ancillary activities.

 

Source: Shanghai Lingang

 

2. 2025 North Bund Forum Held in Shanghai

[Keywords: North Bund Forum]

The 2025 North Bund Forum was held in Shanghai from October 19 to 21. The Forum comprised the Opening Ceremony and International Green Shipping &Aviation Main Forum, the International Shipping Forum and the International Aviation Forum, as well as four sub-forums on maritime traffic safety, digitalization and intelligentization, judiciary and arbitration, and finance and insurance. More than ten themed side events were held in parallel.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

3. Schedule Announced for the CIIE Shanghai Events and Conferences 2025

[Keyword: CIIE]

The CIIE Shanghai Events and Conferences 2025 will take place November 6–9, 2025. It includes one opening session, namely, the Invest in China · Shanghai City Investment Promotion Conference, as well as the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (Pudong Sub-forum and Hongqiao Sub-forum). Around 100 small-scale seminars, roundtables, and closed-door meetings will be held at the Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao, creating a key platform that connects CIIE resources, facilitates industry exchanges, and promotes trade and investment.

 

Source: Shanghai Commerce

 

4. Inaugural West Bund International Tech Consumer Carnival (WTCC) Sets to Kick Off

[Keywords: West Bund International Tech Consumer Carnival]

From October 24 to 28, the inaugural West Bund International Tech Consumer Carnival (WTCC) will be held at the West Bund International Convention and Exhibition Center in Shanghai. The Carnival features ten highlighted attractions and eight major exhibition zones, positioning itself as the world’s first true technology extravaganza defined from the player’s perspective.

 

Source: Shanghai Commerce

 

Culture & Art

 

1.“The Great Art of Dunhuang” Returns to Shanghai

[Keyword: Dunhuang]

From October 23, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the Dunhuang Culture and Art Public Benefit Exhibition “The Great Art of Dunhuang” will be held at the Yi Fung Place in Shanghai. The exhibition presents a systematic overview of Dunhuang grotto art, manuscripts from the Library Cave, the conservation history of the Mogao Grottoes, and the achievements of the China Dunhuang Grottoes Conservation Research Foundation in promoting Dunhuang culture through public welfare over the past three decades. Highlights include five replica caves of classic Mogao grottoes, representative Dunhuang murals from the early, middle, and late periods, and exquisitely crafted painted sculptures that embody the unique spirit of Dunhuang.

 

Source: Shanghai Tourism