Xin Liu’s move from Hong Kong to Beijing in 2024 contrasts sharply with the exodus of firms like Paul Weiss, Skadden Arps and Sidley Austin that closed or downsized Shanghai and Beijing offices after the pandemic.

Liu argues that China will keep anchoring global supply chains and that rising activity in Latin America and Africa fuels demand for legal counsel. Tight data rules and the Outbound Investment Security Program force lawyers to be physically present to review documents and navigate cross‑border restrictions.

Law firms adapt by structuring investments through jurisdictions such as Singapore and by designing data‑flow solutions that mitigate compliance risk. Despite calls for decoupling, economic ties remain deep, and Liu maintains that presence in China is essential for handling disputes that now span multiple courts.