China-US: Challenges for foreign firms operating in China will persist despite trade deal

The operating environment for US and other foreign firms in China will not change significantly following the implementation of the ‘phase one’ Sino-US trade deal on 14 February. While the agreement will bring a reprieve for companies operating in some of the sectors that have been affected by the tariffs, challenges such as IP theft, forced technology transfers, and anti-competitive state subsidies for domestic firms will endure for the foreseeable future. Key points include: Main provisions of the ‘phase one’ deal Prospects for a second deal Beijing’s goals of self-sufficiency and technological ascendancy