Trade and Investment China

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Standard Bank Group announced ten measures on 19 October 2026 to strengthen financial cooperation between China and Africa. The initiatives include expanding access to the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), establishing a 24-hour RMB payment and clearing network, facilitating direct currency conversion, and providing more than RMB10 billion in interbank financing facilities for African financial institutions. The measures aim to promote the use of the Chinese currency , the renminbi (RMB), in cross-border trade, payments and investment. Read more from the sources below: MOFCOM,  2026 , Xinhua Net, 2026 , China Daily, 2026 , China Daily 2, 2026 , LGMI, 2026 , Ten Measures 2026 #RMB #ChinaAfrica #CrossBorderPayments #AfricaBusiness #Renminbi #FinanceInAfrica

China has introduced regulations governing AI companions and other human-like AI interactive services. The Interim Measures for the Administration of AI Anthropomorphic Interactive Services , which took effect on 15 July 2026 , aim to promote the safe and responsible development of AI while reducing risks such as emotional dependency, manipulation, and psychological harm. The regulations require providers to implement age verification, conduct security assessments, protect users' personal information, and introduce anti-addiction measures. The provisions also prohibit AI services from offering virtual romantic partner or virtual family relationship services to minors and require providers to clearly inform users when they are interacting with AI rather than a human.   The regulatory framework is further supported by Guideline TC260-005, issued in May 2026, and two national standards GB/T 46901-2025 and GB/T 46903-2025 which came into effect on 1 July 2026.   As AI ...

China’s e-commerce ecosystem is largely driven by mobile wallets and QR code-based payment systems with Alipay and WeChat Pay together accounting for over 90% of the mobile payments market. Alipay holds approximately 53% of the market share, while WeChat Pay accounts for about 42% ( CoinLaw, 2026 ). In China’s business environment, integrating local payment methods is essential for both online and in-person transactions. These platforms enable real-time purchases, fund transfers, and access to a wide range of in-app services, making it central to e-commerce transactions and everyday consumer activity across China.   The Platforms Alipay - China’s largest online payment platform, originally developed within Alibaba’s e-commerce ecosystem. Website: https://www.alipay.com   WeChat Pay - A platform embedded within WeChat that serves as China’s dominant social and digital ecosystem. Website : https://pay.weixin.qq.com   Quick Tips Set up before arrival - download the apps a...