夏尊恩 Timothy P. Stratford

January 2021

Recapture of Excess COVID-19 Payroll Tax Credits Addressed in New Regs As the legal, regulatory, and commercial implications of coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, our lawyers and advisors are helping clients navigate the complex considerations that companies around the world are facing and develop plans and strategies in response. Reach out to our ...

January 12, 2021, Covington Alert

On January 9, 2021, China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) released the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures (the “Rules” ), which took effect immediately.  Specifically, the Rules are designed to “counteract” the extraterritorial application of “foreign [i.e., non-Chinese] legislation” or ...

January 12, 2021, Covington Alert

On January 9, 2021, China’s Ministry of Commerce released the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures, which took effect immediately. Specifically, the Rules are designed to “counteract” the extraterritorial application of “foreign [i.e., non-Chinese] legislation” or “measures” when such ...

October 23, 2020, Covington Alert

On October 21, 2020, the National People's Congress (“NPC”), China’s top legislative body, released its first draft of the Personal Information Protection Law (the “Draft Law”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here and Covington’s unofficial English translation here).  The period for public comment ends on November 19, 2020 and comments can ...

October 19, 2020, Covington Alert

On October 17, 2020, China enacted an Export Control Law (“the Law”) that builds upon China’s existing export control regulations, which are scattered across multiple laws, administrative regulations, and rules and measures issued by various departments, with the goal of creating a unified export control system to promote China’s national security and interests ...

September 21, 2020, Covington Alert

On September 19, 2020, China’s Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM") issued regulations that provide new details on the government’s plans for an “Unreliable Entity List” first proposed in May 2019.

July 16, 2020, Covington Alert

In our client alert of May 29, 2020, we reported on the initial U.S. government reaction to the announced intention of China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress (“NPC”), to unilaterally impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. As expected, on June 30, the NPC unanimously adopted the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding ...

July 9, 2020, Covington Alert

China has published a near-final draft of a new Export Control Law that, if enacted as drafted, would build upon China’s existing export control regulations, which are scattered across multiple laws, administrative regulations, and implementation rules, with the goal of creating a unified export control system to promote China’s commitment to nonproliferation ...

June 9, 2020, Global Policy Watch

It has been publicly reported that discussions are underway within the Trump Administration for a coordinated interagency initiative to remove key industrial supply chain dependencies from overseas, especially China, and redouble efforts to secure such supply chains in the United States. While this initiative proceeds alongside ongoing efforts to secure supply ...

June 9, 2020, Covington Alert

It has been publicly reported that discussions are underway within the Trump Administration for a coordinated interagency initiative to remove key industrial supply chain dependencies from overseas, especially China, and redouble efforts to secure such supply chains in the United States. While this initiative proceeds alongside ongoing efforts to secure supply ...

May 29, 2020, Covington Alert

On May 27, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo certified to Congress pursuant to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 that "Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997." In a statement, Secretary Pompeo attributed this action to the announced ...

March 25, 2020, Covington Alert

USTR may exclude tariffs on Chinese imports related to COVID-19 response In response to COVID-19, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative ("USTR") announced on March 20, 2020, that it is inviting comments on possible modifications to the list of goods from China subjected to additional tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (“Section 301 ...

February 26, 2020, Global Policy Watch

Tim Stratford delivered this testimony before the the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means February 26, 2020: Chairman Neal, Ranking Member Brady, and distinguished members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my assessment of the U.S.-China economic relationship following conclusion of the Phase One trade agreement between our two ...

January 17, 2020, Covington Alert

On January 15, 2020, President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed the much-anticipated “Phase One” trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Set to take effect no later than February 14, 2020, the “Economic and Trade Agreement Between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China” (the “Agreement”) is the first formal accord ...

November 15, 2019, Sky News

Tim Stratford spoke with Ian King of Sky News regarding current U.S.-China trade negotiations. Mr. Stratford says, “If there is strong interest to do a deal, it may stop the tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs. But it may not address the real underlying issues that lead to the trade war in the first place.”

October 31, 2019, Covington Alert

On October 26, 2019, China enacted a landmark Encryption Law, which will take effect on January 1, 2020. The Encryption Law significantly reshapes the regulatory landscape for commercial encryption, including foreign-made commercial encryption products, but leaves many questions to be answered in future implementing regulations.

October 21, 2019, Covington Alert

On October 18, 2019, the U.S. Administration announced the launch of a new product-specific exclusion request process for tariffs on approximately $112 billion in Chinese imports that were imposed on September 1, 2019. The exclusion process will close on January 31, 2020, and its requirements are similar to those applicable to the latest exclusion process for an ...

September 3, 2019, CNBC

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about the possibility of President Trump ordering U.S. companies out of China. Mr. Stratford says, “The President could issue orders that would make it very difficult for American companies to continue to do business in China, but I think it’s not a legal question of whether he’s going to do that — it’s a political and economic ...

August 30, 2019, Covington Alert

On August 27 and 29, 2019, the U.S. Administration released notices concerning increases in certain tariffs on Chinese imports, marking the latest escalation in bilateral trade frictions.

August 28, 2019, Covington Alert

On August 23, 2019, President Donald J. Trump tweeted: "Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing . . . your companies HOME and making your products in the USA."

August 28, 2019, CGTN

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the possibility of U.S. companies leaving China over the current trade war between the two countries. Mr. Stratford says it would be a good idea if President Trump takes his time, consults his advisers, and makes sure that he thinks carefully through what he's doing. “If you try to back China's leaders into a corner ...

August 25, 2019, Bloomberg

Timothy Stratford was interviewed by Bloomberg about the ratcheting up of tensions between the U.S. and China and what it means for trade talks and U.S. companies doing business in China.

August 11, 2019, CGTN

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the Hong Kong protests’ effect on U.S. businesses. Mr. Stratford says, “It is without question that smoothly functioning Hong Kong commerce is fundamentally important to our members' business interests and an important validator of the 'One Country, Two Systems' approach, faithful implementation of this approach ...

July 17, 2019, Covington Alert

On July 5, 2019, China’s Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) published a new draft Encryption Law (“the draft Law”) for public comment. The draft Law, if enacted as drafted, would bring significant new changes to China’s commercial encryption regime.

July 1, 2019, World Economic Forum

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the World Economic Forum regarding a potential trade agreement between the U.S. and China by the end of 2019. Mr. Stratford says, “The business community is very pleased that they are going back to the negotiating table … and that additional tariffs are going to be postponed for the time being. What we are most concerned about is ...

June 21, 2019, Covington Alert

Earlier this week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a process through which companies can request that their products be excluded from duties imposed on $200 billion in Chinese imports under Section 301 of the Tariff Act of 1974 (Section 301). Tariffs on these imports have been in effect since September 2018, and recently increased ...

May 22, 2019, BBC

Timothy Stratford spoke with the BBC about China’s response to the U.S.’ decision to add Huawei to its “entry list.” Mr. Stratford says, "Particularly in the wake of the decision to put Huawei on the... entity list, there are concerns that the government of China may decide to retaliate against American companies. These are real concerns, and they increase the ...

May 21, 2019, Bloomberg

Timothy Stratford discusses the AmCham China business survey, the U.S.-China trade war, and its impact on businesses with Bloomberg.

May 17, 2019, CNBC

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about developments in trade relations between the U.S. and China. He says economic issues can get "intermingled" with national security in ways that "greatly complicate" the U.S.-China trade dispute.

May 14, 2019, Covington Alert

On May 13, days after increasing tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports, the U.S. Administration proposed imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on a new list of $300 billion in Chinese imports. The Administration cited China’s “failure to meaningfully address” problematic intellectual property (IP) practices and its retaliatory responses to U.S. tariffs ...

May 8, 2019, Covington Alert

On May 8, the U.S. Administration confirmed its intent to increase tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent, effective Friday, May 10, 2019, and establish a process for requesting exclusions from these tariffs. As justification for these actions, the Administration cites the “lack of progress in discussions with China” and ...

April 8, 2019, Covington Alert

On March 15, 2019, China’s National People’s Congress voted to adopt a new Foreign Investment Law (the “FIL”).  The FIL will come into effect on January 1, 2020 and may significantly change China’s framework for regulating foreign investment.  Foreign invested entities (“FIEs”) established prior to the FIL’s effective date will have five years to amend their ...

April 4, 2019, CNBC

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about the current trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. He says a symmetrical enforcement structure in a U.S.-China trade deal would be more palatable to Beijing. He also added that the trade negotiators need time and space to get the job done right.

March 4, 2019, CNBC

In a discussion with CNBC, Timothy Stratford discusses the U.S.-China trade negotiations and complications that the two countries may face when it comes to enforcing an agreement.

February 19, 2019, Covington Alert

Late last week, President Trump signed an appropriations bill to keep the government funded. In its Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying this legislation, Congress directed the Trump Administration to establish an exclusion request process for tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports by March 17, 2019, in line with the process provided for prior rounds of ...

February 15, 2019, The New York Times

Tim Stratford is quoted in The New York Times regarding trade relations between the U.S. and China. He says, “If we don’t address the deeper issues, neither side will be doing itself any favors.”

February 15, 2019, CCTV

Tim Stratford spoke with CCTV News to explain that China and the United States. have different understandings of the rules of international trade and suggested that these rules will need to be clarified.

February 14, 2019, BBC World News

Tim Stratford spoke with BBC World News and laid out an optimistic scenario for a trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford says, “The structural issues that divide the U.S. and China are so significant that it’s hard to see an agreement really effectively dressing all of them.”

February 13, 2019, CNBC

In an interview with CNBC, Tim Stratford discussed trade developments between the U.S. and China. According to Mr. Stratford, China is highly advanced in some areas and underdeveloped in others. As a result, figuring out how to manage differences between the U.S. and China is a "new type of challenge" for American trade negotiators.  

January 31, 2019, Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia

Tim Stratford spoke with Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia regarding U.S.-China trade negotiations, the challenges of doing business in China, and what we can expect from this latest round of talks.

December 20, 2018

BEIJING—The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) has elected Tim Stratford, managing partner of Covington’s Beijing office, as Chair of the Board of Governors for 2019. He previously served as chair from 2000-2001. Mr. Stratford practice is focused on advising international clients doing business in China and assisting ...

December 4, 2018, Global Policy Watch

On December 1, during a working dinner meeting in Buenos Aires following the G20 Summit, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to temporarily ease trade tensions as both sides continue negotiating over longer-term solutions to U.S. concerns about bilateral economic relations. According to a White House press release, for a...… ...

December 3, 2018, Covington Alert

On December 1, during a working dinner meeting in Buenos Aires following the G20 Summit, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to temporarily ease trade tensions as both sides continue negotiating over longer-term solutions to U.S. concerns about bilateral economic relations.

October 28, 2018, Bloomberg

Timothy Stratford is quoted in Bloomberg regarding the impact of the “Made in China 2025” plan on economic relations with the United States. Mr. Stratford says, “It was kind of a lightning rod that really made clear what people were concerned about. The breadth and the specificity seemed to put the last nail in the coffin."

September 19, 2018, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding current trade tension between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford points to systemic differences between the two countries as a point of contention. He says, “Now that this new round of tariffs is being imposed by both sides, the most realistic goal for our countries to focus on next would be to ...

September 19, 2018, CNN

Timothy Stratford is quoted on CNN regarding escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford says, “They don't want to add to the incentive of American companies to be looking at investing elsewhere and to source products elsewhere. "It's a very difficult policy decision on China's part to find just the right touch to do this.” He adds, "They ...

September 18, 2018, Covington Alert

On September 17, 2018, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its final list of approximately $200 billion in Chinese imports subject to an additional ad valorem tariff. The final list, which covers 5,745 product categories, will take effect on September 24, 2018.

September 18, 2018, CNN

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNN Money regarding U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and China’s plan to retaliate. Mr. Stratford says, "China is growing concerned that the US motivation is now trying to keep China down and contain it. I expect that we're going to have a deadlock for some time."

September 18, 2018, CNBC

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC regarding systemic differences between the U.S. and Chinese economy, which is preventing both sides from reaching compromises in trade relations.

August 28, 2018, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding the United States and European Union’s pressure on China to reform its economy. Mr. Stratford says of the Chinese state-led economic model, “The global trading rules are based on assumptions that market economies are more efficient than state-led economies and that countries benefit from the ...

August 23, 2018, Bloomberg Markets

Timothy Stratford spoke with Bloomberg to discuss the trade tensions between the U.S. and China on “Bloomberg Markets.”

August 21, 2018, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is featured in a South China Morning Post article about his views on U.S.-China trade relations. Mr. Stratford says multinational companies with Chinese or U.S. operations have been caught in crossfire of the trade war between the nations. “What’s happening now is that the current deadlock is causing companies from both countries to rethink ...

August 8, 2018

The Trump Administration has released its final list of approximately $16 billion in Chinese imports that will be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff, which will go into effect on August 23, 2018. The Administration has announced that it will provide an opportunity to request that "particular products" subject to the additional duties be ...

July 31, 2018, Global Policy Watch

On May 24, 2018, China filled the top positions at the State Bureau of Film (Film Bureau) and State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP). Both appointments fill vacancies created by the dismantling of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and continue apparent Communist Party of China (CPC) efforts to...… ...

July 30, 2018, Covington Alert

On May 24, 2018, China filled the top positions at the State Bureau of Film (Film Bureau) and State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP). Both appointments fill vacancies created by the dismantling of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and continue apparent Communist Party of China (CPC) efforts to ...

July 11, 2018, Covington Alert

Last night, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) released a new proposed list of $200 billion worth of products from China that could face an additional 10 percent ad valorem tariff. The list covers 6,031 product categories, including a multitude of consumer goods such as luggage, tires, furniture, apparel, mattresses, household goods, components ...

July 10, 2018, Covington Alert

As anticipated, an additional 25 percentage point ad valorem tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports into the United States (covering 818 product categories in sectors including aerospace, information communication technology, machinery, and medical instruments) went into effect on July 6, 2018.

July 5, 2018, Covington Alert

On June 27, 2018, China’s Ministry of Public Security (“MPS”) released for public comment a draft of the Regulations on Cybersecurity Multi-level Protection Scheme (“the Draft Regulation”). The highly anticipated Draft Regulation sets out the details of an updated Multi-level Protection Scheme, whereby network operators (defined below) are required to comply ...

July 4, 2018, The Wall Street Journal

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding China's anticipated response to new tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese products starting on July 6. A Chinese head start "would not be moving hearts and minds on both sides toward the positive direction of de-escalation," says Stratford.

June 20, 2018, CGTN

Timothy Stratford appeared on CGTN's "The Point" to discuss the current state of China-U.S. trade tensions following the announced threat of a new round of $200 billion tariffs on Chinese goods. “The things that the U.S. hopes China will do are things that China doesn’t believe are in their own interest to do, so I think we have a stalemate," says Stratford.

June 15, 2018, Covington Alert

As anticipated, the Trump Administration today released its final list of Chinese imports subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff. The imposition of the tariffs follows the Administration’s determination in March that China’s technology transfer and intellectual property (“IP”) policies are harming U.S. companies, and the submission of public ...

May 24, 2018

Tim Stratford, a former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative and current managing partner of Covington's Beijing office, says we stand at a "crossroads in U.S.-China relations and the future of the international trading system." Learn more about the new U.S. approach with China, its potential impacts, and what role the private sector can play. Q: Why have trade ...

May 4, 2018, Covington Alert

The Trump Administration’s senior economic and trade officials held talks with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing, May 3-4. The talks concluded with no agreement, and each side tabled expansive demands that appear well beyond what the other side would be able to accept.

April 4, 2018, Covington Alert

On April 3, the Trump Administration proposed a list of approximately 1,300 products originating from China that would bear an additional 25 percent ad valorem import tariff and requested public comments on the list, following the Administration’s determination last month that China’s technology transfer and intellectual property (“IP”) policies are harming U.S. ...

March 22, 2018, Covington Alert

Earlier today, the administration announced its findings that China’s theft of U.S. technologies and intellectual property (“IP”) have caused at least $50 billion in harm to the U.S. economy per year.

March 22, 2018, CNBC

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a CNBC article regarding China's response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. "They want to show that they have taken note of U.S. actions and are going to be strongly resisting, but they don't want to be seen as escalating things further," says Stratford. "The Chinese recognize that everyone has a lot to learn if the U.S. and ...

March 22, 2018, CNBC

Timothy Stratford appeared on CNBC to discuss China's response to U.S. tariffs. "Well I think the Chinese have consistently been quite measured. I think they recognize that everyone has a lot to learn if the U.S. and China move into a trade war."

March 21, 2018, The Wall Street Journal

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding plans by China to impose tariffs in response to President Trump's punitive measures. According to Stratford, the current trade environment could prompt U.S. companies to reconsider the long-term importance of the Chinese market. “Gradually we may feel compelled to diversify until ...

March 15, 2018, Covington Alert

Following the recent U.S. announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the United States is now poised to implement trade sanctions against China stemming from an investigation of that country’s intellectual property (“IP”) practices.

March 7, 2018, CGTN

Timothy Stratford appeared in CGTN's "Dialogue with Yang Rui" to discuss President Trump's announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. According to Stratford, "Usually what happens when you impose these sorts of measures is you're trying to protect one particular industry but often the overall costs to the economy are great."

February 10, 2018, Talk with the Tiger

Timothy Stratford appeared on "Talk with the Tiger" to discuss U.S. policy towards China. According to Stratford, "Frankly I think that no matter who was going to be the new president of the United States, there were going to be some changes in the U.S. policy towards China."

January 24, 2018, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding China's retaliatory options that might be considered if a trade war breaks out with the U.S. According to Stratford, there are a number of things that foreign companies could be worried about in terms of retaliatory action from China. “Some foreign companies may have a more difficult ...

January 23, 2018, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and how the World Economic Forum in Davos might be a place for officials to discuss trade issues. "As far as we’ve been able to tell, there has been a strong debate going on at the most senior level in Washington on how to deal with ...

January 15, 2018, Covington Alert

On December 26, 2017, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) released the final Administrative Measures for Enterprise Outbound Investment (the “Final ODI Rules”), which will go into effect as of March 1, 2018 and govern NDRC's regime for reviewing Chinese outbound investment projects. The Final ODI Rules contain limited changes relative to ...

December 21, 2017, Thailand Business News

Timothy Stratford participated in Asia House's inaugural Hong Kong event and is quoted in a Thailand Business News article providing highlights. Speaking on the panel discussing "Asia and the New Global Era," Stratford, said he “could not preclude a [U.S.] trade war with China” adding that member economies should resolve their differences through the World Trade ...

November 28, 2017, Global Trade Review

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a Global Trade Review article regarding the increased focus on globalization in Asia. According to Stratford, “If you look at the past 10 years and take the top 25 economies of the world, 550 million people have seen their incomes either stagnate or decline. There’s a feeling that whatever’s happening right now isn’t working, so ...

November 24, 2017, Covington Alert

Earlier this month, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) released the draft Administrative Measures for Enterprise Outbound Investment (“Draft ODI Rules”) for public comment. Comments are due on December 3, 2017.  

November 17, 2017, Global Policy Watch

In the wake of the Chinese Communist Party’s 19th Party Congress, and US President Donald Trump’s visit to China, the Ministry of Finance has announced a high-level roadmap for broadening market access for foreign investors in the financial services industry. This policy development, long under discussion, is part of an effort by the Chinese leadership...… ...

November 10, 2017, The Washington Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Washington Post in an article regarding the impact of President Trump's trip to China. According to Stratford, "We haven't yet had the bandwidth in the U.S. Administration or the time to have detailed conversations with the Chinese side on market access and other systemic issues." He adds, "Unless you've had time to discuss ...

November 9, 2017, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding the business deal between the U.S. and China following President Trump 's visit. According to Stratford, “No one should make the mistake of believing that the U.S. will now stop raising concerns about market access and other elements of the Chinese economic system that seriously impact ...

November 9, 2017, CGTN

Timothy Stratford appeared on CGTN's "The Point" to discuss the bilateral trade and investment deals recently signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. According to Stratford, "It shows that the two governments are working very hard to try to demonstrate that the bilateral relationship is really beneficial to the people of both ...

October 13, 2017, Covington Alert

In a draft regulation released earlier this year, China proposed regulating the import, export, manufacture, sale, and use of “commercial encryption products,” building on a patchwork of regulations.1 These regulations have focused on restricting the import and use of encryption products produced by certain manufacturers, and many entities have expressed concern ...

September 8, 2017, Covington Alert

On August 18, 2017, the General Office of China’s State Council released to the public new guidance regarding the regulation of outbound investment. The guidance is set forth in a notice, dated August 4, 2017, forwarding “guiding opinions” (the “Opinions”) from the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), People's ...

August 31, 2017, Covington Alert

On August 31, 2017, China’s National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee (“NISSTC”), a standard-setting committee jointly supervised by the Standardization Administration of China (“SAC”) and the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”), released an updated draft of the Information Security Technology - Guidelines for Data Cross-Border ...

August 28, 2017, Global Policy Watch

United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) Robert E. Lighthizer launched an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (“Section 301”) into acts, policies, and practices of the Chinese government as they relate to “technology transfer, intellectual property [IP], and innovation.” The August 18 announcement of the investigation came just days after ...

August 16, 2017, Global Policy Watch

For years, the foreign business community has called for greater transparency and opportunities to provide more input into China’s legislative and regulatory rule-making processes. In a small step forward, on July 19, the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council (“SCLAO”) released draft revisions to the Regulations on Procedures for Formulating ...

July 31, 2017, Global Policy Watch

An updated version of China’s Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment (“Foreign Investment Catalogue,” or “Catalogue”) went into effect on July 28. The Catalogue has been a key tool used by Chinese policymakers to coordinate foreign investment with the country’s economic development plans and industrial policies. Its categorizations are an ...

July 31, 2017, Global Policy Watch

China has put into effect an updated “negative list” for foreign investment in the country’s pilot free trade zones (“FTZs”). Officially named the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Foreign Investment Entry Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) (2017 Version), the FTZ negative list is an important document that lists business sectors in which foreign investment is ...

July 13, 2017, Global Policy Watch

On July 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released the draft Regulation for the Protection of the Critical Information Infrastructure (“Draft Regulation”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here). The comment period ends on August 10, 2017. Aiming to add greater clarification to the Cybersecurity Law, which took effect on ...

July 12, 2017, Covington Alert

On July 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released the draft Regulation for the Protection of the Critical Information Infrastructure (“Draft Regulation”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here). The comment period ends on August 10, 2017.

May 31, 2017, Bloomberg Markets: Asia

Timothy Stratford appeared on Bloomberg Markets: Asia to discuss the U.S.-China trade relationship and what the "100-Day Plan" on trade means for both countries. Although Stratford believes people are encouraged by the Mar-a-Lago summit, he says that it is "important to recognize… that there is very likely going to be a significant call on the United States for ...

May 31, 2017, Bloomberg Markets: Asia

Timothy Stratford appeared on Bloomberg Markets: Asia to discuss China's "Belt & Road" initiative focused on infrastructure development and U.S. trade relationships. According to Stratford, "I think the basic idea of a 'Belt & Road' is a very positive idea. I think that we have parts of the globe that are really not well integrated into the global trading system ...

May 19, 2017, Covington Alert

On May 19, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) invited international stakeholders to attend a seminar to discuss an updated version of the Measures on Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer of Personal Information and Important Data (“the Measures”). Given that the Measures have an intended effective date of June 1, 2017, it is likely ...

May 9, 2017, Covington Alert

On April 13, 2017, China’s State Cryptography Administration (“SCA”) published a draft Encryption Law (“the draft Law”) for public comment. After several years of drafting, the draft Law, if enacted as drafted, would be the first Chinese statute to systematically address encryption, covering “the research, production, management, import and export, testing, ...

May 3, 2017, Covington Alert

On May 2, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released the final version of the Measures on the Security Review of Network Products and Services (Trial) (“the Measures”), with an effective date of June 1, 2017 (official Chinese version available here). The issuance of the Measures marks a critical first step toward implementing China’s ...

April 12, 2017, Chinese Outbound Investment And Trade Facilitation Legal Forum

April 12, 2017, Covington Alert

On April 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released a draft of the Measures on Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer of Personal Information and Important Data (“the Draft Measures”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here; Covington’s translation of the Draft Measures is appended at the end of this alert).

April 8, 2017, South China Morning Post

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding plans between China and the U.S. to tackle trade disputes over a three month period. According to Stratford, concrete results such as greater China access for U.S. companies could be short-lived and reversed if relations soured. One option for attaining something of far-reaching ...

April 7, 2017, CGTN

Timothy Stratford participated in a roundtable hosted by CGTN’s “The Point” discussing President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

March 23, 2017, Global Times

Timothy Stratford participated in a discussion hosted by CGTN’s “The Point” and is quoted in a Global Times article providing highlights from the event, “Follow the Money 2017.” Commenting on President Trump’s Trade Agenda for 2017 and the need for freer and fairer trade, Stratford says, “I think, ideally, you have to have both of them. And you can only have ...

March 13, 2017, CGTN

Timothy Stratford participated in a discussion hosted by CGTN’s “The Point” on the future of China’s international economic role. Commenting on President Trump’s trade agenda which calls for freer and fairer trade, Stratford says, “I think ideally you have to have both of them. And you can only have a sustainable relationship if you have both of them.” He adds, ...

February 23, 2017, A joint event organized by American Chamber of Commerce and European Chamber of Commerce in China

February 7, 2017, Covington Alert

On February 4, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released the draft Measures on the Security Review of Network Products and Services (“the draft Measures”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here; Covington’s translation of the draft Measures is here). The comment period ends on March 4, 2017.

January 12, 2017

January 11, 2017, Covington Alert

Late last week, a group of technology industry leaders, researchers, and former policymakers comprising the President’s Council on Science and Technology (“PCAST”) issued a report entitled Ensuring Long-Term U.S. Leadership in Semiconductors. The report concludes that China is seeking to reshape the global semiconductor industry in a manner that threatens U.S. ...

December 15, 2016, Law360

November 8, 2016, Covington Alert

On November 7, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (“NPC”) passed China’s first Cybersecurity Law (the “Law”), which will take effect starting June 1, 2017. Described as China’s “fundamental law” in the area of cybersecurity, the new Law articulates the government’s priorities with respect to “cyberspace sovereignty,” consolidates ...

September 21, 2016

SHANGHAI—China Law & Practice has named Covington as “Regulatory & Compliance Firm of the Year” at its annual award ceremony. The leading Chinese legal publication also recognized Shanghai partner Eric Carlson as “Regulatory & Compliance Lawyer of the Year” and the firm for its role in the “Outbound Deal of the Year,” China National Tire & Rubber’s $7.8 billion ...

September 9, 2016

July 19, 2016, The Straits Times

Timothy Stratford participated in a panel discussion at the FutureChina Global Forum and is quoted in this Straits Times article regarding the growing appetite of the Chinese middle class for consumption despite fears of a spending slowdown. Noting the sky-rocketing growth of Chinese outbound investment, Stratford said that between 2002 and 2007, Chinese ...

July 12, 2016, Covington Alert

On July 5, 2016, China’s National People’s Congress (“NPC”) released a new draft of the Cybersecurity Law for public comment (official Chinese version available here; unofficial translation from AmCham China available here). The revised draft contains a number of significant changes from the first draft, which was released in July 2015, but retains many of the ...

June 15, 2016, The 12th J.P. Morgan Global China Summit

June 7, 2016, China-U.S. University and Think Tank Forum

June 7, 2016, EURObiz

May 2, 2016, Law360

December 8, 2015

BEIJING, December 8, 2015 - Tim Stratford, managing partner of Covington’s Beijing office, received the China Pioneer Award from the American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China. The AmCham China Pioneer Award honors corporate leaders who made early and significant contributions to economic expansion and the business environment across ...

July 13, 2015, China Law & Practice

June 3, 2015, LegalStudio

January 7, 2015

Beijing, January 7, 2015 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that Ruixue Ran, one of Asia’s leading intellectual property lawyers, is joining the firm’s Beijing office as a partner. Ms. Ran is expected to further expand Covington’s ability to assist its multinational clients with their cross-border intellectual property issues involving China. With ...

2012, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 17, 2014, Law360

October 17, 2014, Law360

Tim Stratford authored this article on China’s tightly regulated health care sector: "The Chinese government has announced the launch of a pilot scheme allowing for the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals (“WFOHs”) through greenfield investment or mergers and acquisitions in three centrally governed municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai), ...

September 25, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC, September 25, 2014 — Covington & Burling has been named “International Firm of the Year for Trade” by China Law & Practice magazine. The award recognizes Covington’s “innovation, complexity, and market impact” and is “based on the extent to which their work has influenced the legal market and benefited the quality and development of China’s legal ...

July 11, 2014, Covington Advisory

May 30, 2014, EURObiz

April 22, 2014, Wall Street Journal

Covington partner Tim Stratford is quoted regarding visa requirements and press freedom in China. The article states: "An apparent broadening of restrictions on the media also has the group worried. Journalist visas are becoming more difficult to get, it said, adding that a lack of information about issues such as financial data raises suspicions in the West ...

February 20, 2014, Covington E-Alert

9/27/2013

WASHINGTON, DC, September 27, 2013 — Marisa Lago, assistant secretary for international markets and development at the U.S. Treasury Department, addressed a symposium held at Covington & Burling earlier in September about trends in Chinese foreign direct investment in America. The symposium, co-hosted with the China General Chamber of Commerce, examined the ...

July 19, 2013, Covington E-Alert

January 11, 2013, Covington E-Alert

December 28, 2012

BEIJING, December 28, 2012 — Chambers has named Covington & Burling as a finalist for the 2013 Chambers China Awards for Excellence in the International Trade category. The awards recognize preeminence in key practice areas and significant achievements over the past 12 months, including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client ...

May 15, 2012, Covington E-Alert

March 19, 2012

LONDON, 19 March, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP received 46 individual mentions and 20 practice mentions in the Chambers Global 2012 edition. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers globally by pan-regional and country practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. The Covington lawyers ...

February 17, 2012, Covington E-Alert

January 19, 2012, Covington E-Alert

January 2012, Covington E-Alert

January 11, 2012, Covington E-Alert

2012, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

November 30, 2011, Covington E-Alert

November 18, 2011, Covington E-Alert

August 31, 2011, Covington E-Alert

June 21, 2011, Covington E-Alert

June 2011, Financial Fraud Law Report

February 22, 2011, Covington E-Alert

February 18, 2011, Covington E-Alert

September 30, 2010, Covington E-Alert

July/August 2010, China Brief (reprinted with permission from the American Chamber of Commerce People’s Republic of China)

May 19, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC, May 19, 2010 — Against the backdrop of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and on the eve of the upcoming round of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue between the US and China, Covington & Burling LLP will co-host a day-long event, “Shaping the US-China Business Relationship” on Friday, May 21. The event will be held at the USA National Pavilion, which ...

February 22, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC, February 22, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Timothy P. Stratford, who most recently served as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for China Affairs, has joined the firm as a partner. He will be resident in the firm’s Beijing office and will practice in the International Trade and Finance group. Mr. Stratford’s ...