Special Focus
China - Looking Ahead (6th Edition)

Special Focus Archive

Foreword
BEPS in China – multi-track developments

China’s progress in rolling out the 2015 BEPS recommendations, key cross-border tax enforcement trends in 2016, and the development of China’s external tax policy are the focus of this chapter by Khoonming Ho, Chris Xing, Lilly Li and Conrad Turley.
China transfer pricing – first mover on BEPS

In July 2016, China’s State Administration of Taxation (SAT) released Announcement 42, outlining the updated Chinese requirements for contemporaneous documentation. In October, it released Announcement 64, containing revisions to the guidance on the administration of advance pricing arrangements. Chi Cheng, Xiaoyue Wang, Simon Liu, Kelly Liao and Mimi Wang explore the implications.
Post VAT reform in China – what’s next?

China’s indirect tax system underwent a major overhaul when its new VAT reforms were rolled out. Lachlan Wolfers, Shirley Shen, John Wang, and Jean Li take a look at the new indirect tax model and discuss how China has moved away from a bifurcated system.
M&A tax in China – practical challenges

John Gu, Yvette Chan and Chris Mak share their insights on encountering practical uncertainties and resolving contentious tax issues when working with clients on merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in China. They look at how the rapidly changing global tax environment will impact future M&A transactions in China.
China tax – big data and beyond

Enhanced use of tax technology by the Chinese tax authorities, more sophisticated targeting of taxpayers, and heightened engagement between China and overseas tax authorities are the focus of this article by Tracy Zhang, Marianne Dong, David Ling and Karmen Yeung.
IIT in China – moving with the times

Although China’s individual income tax (IIT) reform is still being incubated and there have been no changes to the IIT Law during the past couple of years, the future of IIT presents both opportunities and challenges. Michelle Zhou, Chris Ho, Vincent Pang, Angie Ho and Jason Jiang look at the future intended changes to the IIT system.
China Customs – pushing the boundaries

For China’s customs reform, 2016 has been an important year with quite a few new pieces of customs regulation and guidance having been issued. Eric Zhou, Helen Han, Dong Cheng, Philip Xia and Melsson Yang highlight the changes.
Tax to the aid of innovation and entrepreneurship in China

As China faces rising labour costs and competition from lower cost countries in the region, incentive supply side programmes such as the HNTE scheme and 150% super deduction will help achieve the government’s aim of solid and stable growth for the Chinese economy as it enters its 13th five-year plan. Alan Garcia, Yang Bin, Josephine Jiang and William Zhang highlight the available benefits for R&D.
Challenges of the two invoices system for China’s pharmaceutical industry

China has been rolling out various measures to reform its healthcare system. Among these changes, the “two invoices system” has attracted much attention and is likely to affect the way pharmaceutical companies are structured and how they sell their drugs. Grace Xie, Henry Ngai and Thomas Li provide an overview of what is happening in China and how it will impact the pharmaceutical sector.
Hong Kong: A tax boost to the international investment hub

In 2016, Hong Kong has continued to work towards the future with enhanced tax benefits for offshore funds and corporate treasury centres by releasing a raft of guidance and clarifications. Meanwhile, the BEPS movement continues to gain momentum in Hong Kong, while the territory continues to expand its treaty network. Ayesha Lau, Darren Bowdern, Michael Olesnicky and Curtis Ng discuss Hong Kong’s changes.
Taiwan: tax changes towards growth and progress

Taiwan’s geographic location in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, together with its low corporate income tax rate of 17%, makes it an ideal place for multinational enterprises to establish their headquarters in the region. Stephen Hsu, Hazel Chen and Betty Lee highlight Taiwan’s key developments over the past year.