China Legal Insights
Legal updates and practical analysis for foreign companies involved in Xuzhou supplier disputes, manufacturing contract issues, international trade disputes, and commercial matters.
Latest Insights
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Celebrating the 2026 Lunar New Year: A Time for Renewal, Gratitude, and New Beginnings
As we welcome the arrival of the 2026 Lunar New Year, all of us at our firm extend our warmest wishes to our clients, colleagues, and friends around the world. The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope—a meaningful moment to honor tradition while embracing the opportunities of the year ahead.…
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Xuzhou Attorney Lyu Qiang Explains to You: Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Divorce Litigation
If you wish to file for divorce through litigation in China, the first question you’ll encounter is: which court should you file your case with? Under Chinese law, the general rule is that you must file your lawsuit in the court at the defendant’s domicile. However, there are several important exceptions: Common Exception #1: If…
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How Local Legal Expertise Supports Cross-Border Business in China
As international trade and investment continue to expand, foreign companies doing business in China are increasingly confronted with complex legal and regulatory challenges. From cross-border transactions and commercial disputes to regulatory compliance and risk management, effective legal support requires both global vision and strong local expertise. At Lyu & Associates, we focus on assisting international…
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Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Lawyers?
Can artificial intelligence replace lawyers? I often use AI platforms, primarily ChatGPT and DeepSeeker. I believe AI cannot replace lawyers. First, the output of AI platforms depends on accurately inputting questions, but many clients, without the help of a lawyer, don’t even know what questions to ask. Second, in a lawsuit, there may be dozens…
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Intellectual Property Protection Period Explained by Attorney Lyu Qiang
How many years is the intellectual property protection period in China? First, patents. The maximum protection period for a patent is 20 years. Since a patent is a type of monopoly right, to encourage new innovations, patents have a maximum protection period. If 20 years have passed since the patent was granted, the patent will…
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How to Compel a Witness to Appear in Court to Testify
What should you do if an important witness refuses to appear in a Chinese court to testify? According to Chinese law, the probative value of witness testimony is lower than that of documentary evidence. However, in many lawsuits, there is no documentary evidence available, so the only option is to rely on witness testimony. In…
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Attorney Lyu Qiang from Xuzhou Explains: Under What Circumstances Can an Illegal Contract Still Be Valid?
Article 153 of China’s Civil Code stipulates that contracts violating laws or mandatory administrative regulations are invalid, except where such laws or regulations do not invalidate the contract. So, what are the exceptional circumstances? Typically, there are three types. The first is operating beyond the business scope. For example, if a company engages in a…
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Attorney Lyu Qiang Explains What a Partnership Enterprise Is
What is a partnership enterprise in China? What are its characteristics? According to China’s Partnership Enterprise Law, partnership enterprises are divided into limited partnership enterprises and unlimited partnership enterprises. Regardless of the type, a partnership enterprise is a special form of business organization composed of multiple partners. A partnership enterprise is neither a…
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Does the employer’s payment of social insurance for the worker establish an employment relationship between the two parties?
If an employer pays social insurance for a worker, does that automatically mean an employment relationship has been established in China? The answer is no. Even if an employer pays social insurance for a worker, it does not necessarily mean an employment relationship has been formed. According to China’s labor laws, judges determine whether…
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Crime of Concealing and Destroying Accounting Documents
In China, the crime of concealing and destroying accounting documents or vouchers means：If a company owner or financial officer intentionally conceals or destroys the company’s financial documents or vouchers, and the circumstances are serious, they may be sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years and fined between 20,000 and 200,000 yuan. Serious circumstances mainly…
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Attorney Lyu Qiang Explains Whether a Repayment Promise Constitutes Guarantee Liability in China
Behind me is the Yunlong District People’s Court. Today, I am here for a construction project case. In this case, a shareholder of the defendant issued a letter of commitment to the plaintiff. The content of the letter stated that if the defendant failed to make payments on time, the shareholder would make the payment…
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How to Calculate the Limitation Period for Litigation After a Contract Is Declared Void
When a contract is void in China, how is the limitation period for litigation calculated? In Chinese legal disputes, parties often present various contracts or agreements. However, many of these contracts cannot be recognized by the court because their content is legally problematic. Additionally, some agreements may have been signed a long time ago. However,…