The Commerce Ministry of the Chinese mainland said on Tuesday that Beijing and Washington will keep discussions going after the United States' one-year suspension of its affiliates rule ends this month.
Meeting earlier this month in Beijing, officials outlined plans to iron out details that will impact how companies and their overseas branches operate across borders. The affiliates rule, originally designed to regulate U.S. entities’ ties with overseas partners, was put on hold in November 2024 to ease trade frictions.
For entrepreneurs and tech startups, clarity on these arrangements is crucial. Multinational firms often rely on affiliate structures to manage supply chains, share technology, and navigate local regulations. Renewed talks signal a commitment to smoother cooperation, even amid broader strategic competition.
Analysts say the outcome could set a template for future dialogues on trade rules between two of the world’s largest economies. By working through technical details—such as data sharing protocols and licensing procedures—both sides aim to provide businesses with stable guidelines heading into 2026.
Cover: The Commerce Ministry of the Chinese mainland, Beijing, November 6, 2025. /VCG
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China to continue talks with U.S. on arrangements for affiliates rule
cgtn.com
