China is actively promoting further industrialisation of its ­already large aquaculture industry, including land-based ­solutions. This presents an opportunity for foreign players with access to know-how and technology and in this article we take a look at the typical project structure and common concerns for land-based aquaculture projects in China.

On 10 October 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Transport (Ministry) announced that it would impose special port fees (Special Port Fees) against vessels with a US nexus calling at Chinese ports. These were adopted in response to the fees and trade restrictions introduced by the United States Trade Representative earlier this year targeting China-linked vessels (USTR Fees).

On October 7, 2025, the EU Commission proposed new protective measures on steel. Subsequently, on October 9, 2025, China announced new export controls on rare earths. These two measures are among several recently announced by major trading nations, reflecting the current tense geopolitical landscape. They also affect stakeholders in third countries, including Norway.

On 23 March 2025, China introduced the new Provisions on Implementing the Anti-foreign Sanctions Law (the "Provisions"), which took effect immediately. These Provisions are designed to protect what China perceives as lawful commercial interests against the extraterritorial application of sanctions or other restrictive measures. Given the increasing global trade tensions and the expansion of international sanctions, companies are at risk of being caught between incompatible rulesets.

We examine the effect on various English law governed maritime contracts from the targeted action by the U.S. Trade Representative seeking to reduce the power of Chinese parties in the maritime sector.

In recent years, China has witnessed substantial changes in its regulatory framework for handling personal information, with more updates on the horizon. While the compliance burden has eased, companies must still adhere to the fundamental requirements of the Personal Information Protection Law. Systematic enforcement by the authorities has also begun, making compliance more critical than ever.

China has amended its criminal law for the 12th time with effect from 1 March 2024 by increasing penalties and adding employees of private companies to some bribery and corruption offences that currently only apply to employees of state-owned enterprises.

China

Shipping

Trade Restrictions, Customs and Tariffs

Managing Associate

Bård is dual qualified as a Norwegian lawyer and a Solicitor of England & Wales and has a broad international practice focused on shipping and offshore. He regularly assists clients with cross border disputes, negotiating and drafting complex contracts and project due diligence, and also advises international companies with a presence in China on a range of issues regarding their international operations.

Before relocating to the Shanghai office, Bård worked almost five years for Wikborg Rein’s London office and two years for the head office in Oslo. Bård has also spent time at Wikborg Rein’s Singapore office.

Shanghai

Chair of the Board, Norwegian Business Association China

Board member, Norwegian Business Association China

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Bård is dual qualified as a Norwegian lawyer and a Solicitor of England & Wales and has a broad international practice focused on shipping and offshore.

Bård Breda Bjerken

Managing Associate and Shanghai Representative