CONTENTSIntroduction1. Previous Access Requirements for Foreign Investment in IDC2. Impact of the MIIT CircularConclusionIntroductionTo invigorate market dynamism, propel digital economy growth, and interface with international economic and trade norms, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the Circular on the Pilot Scheme for the Further Opening of Value-Added Telecom Services to Foreign Investment (《关于开展增值电信业务扩大对外开放试点工作的通告》, the “MIIT Circular”) on April 10. The Circular lifts foreign shareholding limits for value-added telecommunication services like Internet Data Centers (IDC) on a trial basis in designated regions, namely the Beijing Services Sector Opening-up Demonstration Zone, Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, Hainan Free Trade Port, and Shenzhen Pilot Demonstration Zone (collectively the “pilot areas”). It further contemplates expanding the application of this policy based on the progress and o
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