Explore the major topics driving China’s transformation — from geopolitics and regulation to tech, business innovation, and strategic policy.
China’s fast-moving innovation, shifting policies, and evolving geopolitical environment create a complex landscape for businesses worldwide. Our topics dive into the critical areas—from technology and regulation to geopolitics and market strategy—providing you with clear insights to understand and act on these dynamics.
From shifting geopolitics to supply chain disruptions, our Topics in Focus highlight the developments that matter. Explore real-world cases, our services, and the latest analyses.
In China, politics and business are deeply intertwined. Our expertise bridges these worlds, offering precise, independent insights that help you anticipate change, manage risk, and capture opportunity in a rapidly evolving market.
China’s dynamic transformation creates both opportunities and challenges for global businesses. Our topics and analyses explore key developments – from geopolitical shifts and technological innovation to regulatory changes and evolving business models. Gain the clarity and perspective you need to navigate this complex environment with confidence.
Rising geopolitical tensions—from U.S.-China competition to growing trade and investment barriers—are reshaping the global business landscape. Export controls, sanctions, tariffs, and critical material restrictions are putting international operations and supply chains under strategic pressure.
China’s digital ecosystem is being redefined by geopolitical frictions and domestic regulation. As digital sovereignty becomes a core objective, companies must navigate increasingly strict controls on data, cybersecurity, and cross-border technology flows.
In a state-led and innovation-driven system, understanding China’s political and strategic priorities is crucial. Businesses need clear insight into policy direction to anticipate change and align long-term decisions with political realities.
China’s regulatory system moves fast—and often unpredictably. We help companies stay ahead of compliance challenges across data governance, cybersecurity, AI regulation, cross-border operations, ESG, and the evolving social credit system.
China’s market is more competitive, dynamic, and politically influenced than ever. We support companies in refining their local strategy, responding to regulatory shifts, and staying competitive amid fast-moving innovation and rising domestic champions.
U.S.-China relations have moved from rivalry to systemic decoupling — and businesses are caught in the crossfire. We help businesses navigate the complexities of U.S.-China relations with tailored insights and strategies. From tariffs and technological decoupling to supply chain resilience and geopolitical risk, our Geopolitical Advisory enables informed decisions in a volatile global landscape.
The era of global free trade and frictionless supply chains is over.
Geopolitical tensions are disrupting established sourcing models and exposing hidden vulnerabilities. Companies must now look far beyond tier-1 suppliers to understand their true risk exposure. We map supply chains down to tier-8, identify China-related dependencies, and support resilience planning through scenario-based stress testing and continuous risk monitoring.
Trade and investment policies are no longer just technical frameworks — they’re instruments of power.
As Chinese exports reshape global markets, we help businesses navigate tools such as export controls, sanctions, and investment screenings. Our Geopolitical Consulting supports strategic responses to the increasing fragmentation of global production and supply chain footprints.
EU-China relations are becoming more strained, structured, and strategic. Our Geopolitical Consulting equips businesses to manage and leverage the EU-China relations, especially in context of rising U.S.-China tensions. We provide insights on trade barriers, evolving dependencies on China, and supply chain resilience — empowering strategic decisions in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Chinese firms are no longer just expanding — they are outcompeting.
China’s “going global” strategy is accelerating, with state-backed, tech-savvy companies expanding across international markets. Their growing strength in innovation, branding, and localization poses a serious challenge — even for firms with no direct presence in China. We equip you with the insights and strategies needed to understand and respond to this evolving competitive threat.
Technology is fragmenting into competing spheres of influence.
As the global tech stack splits along geopolitical lines, companies must navigate conflicting standards, data regimes, and platform ecosystems. From semiconductors to digital infrastructure, we help clients understand the emerging tech order and align strategy with the geopolitical direction of travel.
The global AI race is being shaped — and often led — by China.
With rapid innovation, vast data resources, and a unique regulatory setup, China is a central AI power. We help global firms craft China-specific AI strategies, monitor key developments, and stay aligned with both local rules and global priorities — including areas like humanoid robotics.
Chips are now geopolitical assets — and China is both a player and a pressure point. From critical materials to policy shifts, China’s role in the semiconductor supply chain demands close attention. We provide intelligence across the ecosystem, helping companies anticipate disruption and build resilience.
Rare earths are no longer just raw materials — they’re strategic leverage. China controls key nodes in global raw materials supply. We help companies monitor regulatory and market dynamics to secure critical inputs and reduce geopolitical exposure.
China is building the world’s most powerful battery supply chain.
From mining and cell production to recycling and energy storage, China leads the charge. We track developments in electrification, solar energy, and rare earth sourcing to help clients manage risk and capture opportunity.
Smart manufacturing is moving fast in China — and it's redefining industrial competitiveness. We provide insights into automation, industrial AI, IoT, and robotics — including condition monitoring and digital twins — so clients stay ahead as China upgrades its industrial tech stack.
Robotics is becoming a pillar of China’s economic strategy. With strong policy support and rising capabilities, China’s robotics sector is advancing rapidly. We monitor key players, technologies, and regulations to support competitive positioning.
China’s ICT rollout is reshaping digital infrastructure — at global scale. We guide companies through China's 5G/6G landscape, covering telecom networks, cloud, enterprise IT, and regulatory shifts — enabling confident decisions in a fast-moving environment.
Digital services in China are transforming finance, payments, and platforms. We offer insights into FinTech, digital currencies, and super apps to help companies navigate this innovation-rich but tightly regulated space.
China is investing in the frontier of future technologies. From quantum computing to nuclear fusion, we track China’s early bets in transformative tech — enabling our clients to anticipate disruption and explore strategic positioning early.
China’s economy is fundamentally state-led — and that shapes every business decision.
We provide deep insights into China’s evolving business environment and economic trajectory by tracking regulatory shifts, market access changes, and broad macro trends. Our monitoring includes fiscal, monetary, and financial policy as well as overarching macroeconomic developments.
China’s industrial policy is a powerful driver of global tech leadership.
From AI to electric vehicles, China’s national plans, funding priorities, and sector strategies set the pace for innovation. We decode key elements like self-sufficiency drives, subsidies, semiconductor ambitions, and efforts to close the technology gap — ensuring clients can align their investments and R&D with Beijing’s long-term vision.
Technology policy in China is both ambitious and fast-evolving.
We have expertise in cutting-edge areas such as AI, autonomous driving, innovation ecosystems, pilot zones, and breakthrough fields including quantum computing and fusion technology. Our insights enable clients to understand regulatory trends and position themselves effectively in China’s dynamic tech landscape.
Competing in China means facing fast-moving local players backed by policy support. Chinese competitors benefit from scale, speed, and government tailwinds. We help clients analyze local market dynamics, policy influences shaping the competitive landscape, and develop strategies that enable effective positioning in this hyper-competitive environment.
Chinese politics deeply intertwines with business — and understanding this is critical. With our ears and eyes on the ground, we monitor political developments, leadership priorities, and the political system itself to help clients anticipate policy shifts, regulatory risks, and strategic challenges. Navigating this political-business nexus is essential for risk management and opportunity identification.
Market access and foreign investment rules in China are complex and evolving. We provide expert guidance on trade promotion, investment regulation, joint venture frameworks, M&A policies, and China’s openness to foreign direct investment. This ensures clients can navigate regulatory hurdles and seize growth opportunities with clarity and compliance.
Being successful in China requires smart localization. We help assess whether and where to expand production, how localized manufacturing, R&D and procurement setups should be and which new technologies and innovation to develop in China. The right China footprint balances efficiency, resilience, and long-term market potential.
The old partnership models no longer apply. From Joint Venture 2.0 to reverse tech transfer, partnerships in China have changed radically. We help identify the right models, scout partners, and adapt to a fast-evolving innovation ecosystem.
What you learn in China can shape your global edge. We help companies explore how Chinese solutions that excel in speed and innovation can be adopted in global markets — from smart manufacturing to digital business models and consumer engagement.
Without R&D in, with, and for China, you risk falling behind. We help multinationals develop balanced R&D strategies tailored to China, benchmark capabilities, and stay ahead of legal developments. As IP enforcement improves but risks remain, we focus on safeguarding your innovation in a fast-moving regulatory environment.
China’s digital universe plays by different rules. From e-commerce to super apps, we guide you through the unique platform landscape. We help choose the right partners and shape digital strategies that meet both user and regulator expectations.
When HQs and China teams are out of sync, execution suffers. We bridge cultural and strategic gaps to ensure local insights inform global strategy — enabling faster action, better decisions, and stronger internal alignment.
In China’s tightly controlled data economy, owning compliance is a strategic imperative. We help companies interpret and implement China’s strict data governance rules—from data classification and localization to lifecycle management—ensuring compliance while enabling secure, strategic use of data across business functions.
Moving information without crossing the line has become a high-stakes challenge in China’s regulatory landscape. Outbound data transfers in China face rising scrutiny. We guide clients through security assessments, impact reports, and regulatory filings—ensuring efficient data flows that support global operations without regulatory risk.
Building trust in a high-surveillance environment is now a prerequisite for doing business in China. China’s cybersecurity laws are expanding fast. We help firms align with evolving requirements—from network protection to counter-espionage compliance—while building resilient, secure IT strategies that meet national security expectations.
Aligning with China’s ESG mandate is no longer optional—it’s a regulatory and reputational necessity. Environmental regulation is tightening across China. We support ESG strategies that meet national sustainability goals, helping clients reduce risk, avoid fines, and align with the country’s push for greener, more accountable business practices.
Navigating China’s AI regulations is key to staying innovative—and compliant. China is moving fast to shape the global standard for AI governance, with new rules on algorithmic transparency, content control, and training data. We help clients interpret evolving requirements and align AI development with sector-specific rules.
Behind every topic at Sinolytics is a team of dedicated experts who live and breathe their field — from geopolitical analysts and regulatory specialists to digital policy advisors and strategy consultants. Whether you’re exploring one topic or need cross-cutting insight, our team combines deep subject knowledge with real-world understanding of China’s evolving environment.
Björn Conrad, CEO and co-founder of Sinolytics, has almost two decades of China experience.
Mirjam Meissner, Managing Partner, is a recognized expert on market regulation and technology trends in China.
Dr. Jost Wübbeke is Managing Partner at Sinolytics and a leading expert of China’s economy and industrial policy.
Luisa Kinzius is Managing Partner at Sinolytics and helps companies turn geopolitical complexity into strategic advantage.
Explore our latest analyses across geopolitics, digital regulation, business trends and more — always grounded in real-world relevance.
Working with China raises complex questions—from regulation and compliance to tech trends and geopolitical risk. We’ve gathered answers to the ones we hear most often. If your question isn’t here, reach out anytime — we’re just one conversation away.
Sinolytics is the leading strategy consultancy on China. We offer European and U.S. companies in-depth analysis, customized strategies, and recommendations for well-founded decisions. We bring together market and policy expertise to help clients navigate complexity with clarity. With Geolytics, Sinolytics expands this approach globally while remaining dedicated to its characteristic China focus.
We specialize in the intersection of politics and business. Our diverse team offers deep China expertise, geopolitical insight, and tailored, actionable strategies—independent, precise, and grounded in real-world dynamics.
China is our core, but we also cover Southeast Asia and global geopolitical developments—especially those affecting international business, like U.S.-China-EU relations and supply chain risks.
We advise multinational companies across industries, as well as investors, associations, and public institutions navigating complex China-related challenges.
Absolutely. Every topic we cover — from digital governance to geopolitics — has a dedicated expert at Sinolytics. Just head to our expert overview or get in touch directly for a personal conversation.
Our work spans strategic analysis, policy monitorings, regulatory assessments, geopolitical scenario planning, competitor research, and hands-on support to adapt strategy and operations.
Our team is based in Berlin and Beijing, and also closely connected to key political hubs like Washington (D.C.), Brussels, New Delhi, and beyond—ensuring clients stay informed and prepared.
Let’s talk — one of our experts is just a message away.
Social credit system
Managing reputation in a score-driven system is essential to staying competitive in China. China’s corporate social credit system links regulatory behavior to business outcomes. We help clients monitor scoring criteria, avoid penalties, and manage reputational risk in a system where compliance is increasingly quantifiable.