Ralph Koppitz
@koppitz.bsky.social
China lawyer with 29+ years’ experience | One of “Top 10 China Consultants 2025” named by China.Table
🧧We pave the way. Worldwide. Like the horse that moves with a clear direction. Happy New Year 新年快乐 from RÖDL China!
Creating paths where others see obstacles. Turning ambition of our clients into measurable progress.
May the Year of the Horse bring you energy, clarity and confident forward motion.
Creating paths where others see obstacles. Turning ambition of our clients into measurable progress.
May the Year of the Horse bring you energy, clarity and confident forward motion.
February 15, 2026 at 11:41 PM
🧧We pave the way. Worldwide. Like the horse that moves with a clear direction. Happy New Year 新年快乐 from RÖDL China!
Creating paths where others see obstacles. Turning ambition of our clients into measurable progress.
May the Year of the Horse bring you energy, clarity and confident forward motion.
Creating paths where others see obstacles. Turning ambition of our clients into measurable progress.
May the Year of the Horse bring you energy, clarity and confident forward motion.
🏮Year of the Horse! 🐎
妈妈骂马吗？Māma mà mǎ ma?
马骂妈妈! Mǎ mà māma!
Same “ma” — different tones, different meanings. Mandarin has 4 tones (+ neutral): mā 妈 mother, má 麻 hemp, mǎ 马 horse, mà 骂 scold, ma 吗 question.
New zodiac memory stamps by China Post celebrate the Horse’s vitality & momentum.
妈妈骂马吗？Māma mà mǎ ma?
马骂妈妈! Mǎ mà māma!
Same “ma” — different tones, different meanings. Mandarin has 4 tones (+ neutral): mā 妈 mother, má 麻 hemp, mǎ 马 horse, mà 骂 scold, ma 吗 question.
New zodiac memory stamps by China Post celebrate the Horse’s vitality & momentum.
February 15, 2026 at 1:24 AM
🏮Year of the Horse! 🐎
妈妈骂马吗？Māma mà mǎ ma?
马骂妈妈! Mǎ mà māma!
Same “ma” — different tones, different meanings. Mandarin has 4 tones (+ neutral): mā 妈 mother, má 麻 hemp, mǎ 马 horse, mà 骂 scold, ma 吗 question.
New zodiac memory stamps by China Post celebrate the Horse’s vitality & momentum.
妈妈骂马吗？Māma mà mǎ ma?
马骂妈妈! Mǎ mà māma!
Same “ma” — different tones, different meanings. Mandarin has 4 tones (+ neutral): mā 妈 mother, má 麻 hemp, mǎ 马 horse, mà 骂 scold, ma 吗 question.
New zodiac memory stamps by China Post celebrate the Horse’s vitality & momentum.
China’s new Catalogue for Encouraged Foreign Investment (from Feb 2026) brings 1,679 items, incl. 205 new. Focus: high-tech, digital & green sectors, stronger regional incentives.
RÖDL China outlines key updates, what tariff, CIT, land benefits mean for investors.👇
www.roedl.com/en/insights/...
RÖDL China outlines key updates, what tariff, CIT, land benefits mean for investors.👇
www.roedl.com/en/insights/...
February 12, 2026 at 10:04 PM
China’s new Catalogue for Encouraged Foreign Investment (from Feb 2026) brings 1,679 items, incl. 205 new. Focus: high-tech, digital & green sectors, stronger regional incentives.
RÖDL China outlines key updates, what tariff, CIT, land benefits mean for investors.👇
www.roedl.com/en/insights/...
RÖDL China outlines key updates, what tariff, CIT, land benefits mean for investors.👇
www.roedl.com/en/insights/...
🎏What is Chinese “nian gao”?
A traditional glutinous rice cake for Lunar New Year. Its name sounds like “higher year by year,” symbolizing progress and prosperity. Once ritual offering, now festive family dish. Often like fish or gold ingots.
North: firmer, pan-fried. South: softer, sweet or savory.
A traditional glutinous rice cake for Lunar New Year. Its name sounds like “higher year by year,” symbolizing progress and prosperity. Once ritual offering, now festive family dish. Often like fish or gold ingots.
North: firmer, pan-fried. South: softer, sweet or savory.
February 11, 2026 at 11:24 PM
🎏What is Chinese “nian gao”?
A traditional glutinous rice cake for Lunar New Year. Its name sounds like “higher year by year,” symbolizing progress and prosperity. Once ritual offering, now festive family dish. Often like fish or gold ingots.
North: firmer, pan-fried. South: softer, sweet or savory.
A traditional glutinous rice cake for Lunar New Year. Its name sounds like “higher year by year,” symbolizing progress and prosperity. Once ritual offering, now festive family dish. Often like fish or gold ingots.
North: firmer, pan-fried. South: softer, sweet or savory.
Pony.ai and Toyota are rolling out mass-produced Level-4 robotaxis in China. Around 1,000 vehicles will be deployed in major cities, with plans to exceed 3,000 by 2026. Level 4 means fully driverless operation within approved areas, without human intervention.
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
Pony AI and Toyota roll out robotaxis in China’s autonomous drive push
Guangzhou-based Pony AI begins output of 1,000 autonomous cabs and targets a 3,000-unit fleet by the end of 2026 as it expands globally.
www.scmp.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Pony.ai and Toyota are rolling out mass-produced Level-4 robotaxis in China. Around 1,000 vehicles will be deployed in major cities, with plans to exceed 3,000 by 2026. Level 4 means fully driverless operation within approved areas, without human intervention.
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
🌍 19 March | Global Law Insights – India & China
Executive remuneration, liability & termination across India and China.
A practical comparison with Apoorva Singh, focusing on key risks and recent developments.
🕘 9:30–10:30 CET | Microsoft Teams
Register 👇
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5965f...
Executive remuneration, liability & termination across India and China.
A practical comparison with Apoorva Singh, focusing on key risks and recent developments.
🕘 9:30–10:30 CET | Microsoft Teams
Register 👇
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5965f...
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 PM
🌍 19 March | Global Law Insights – India & China
Executive remuneration, liability & termination across India and China.
A practical comparison with Apoorva Singh, focusing on key risks and recent developments.
🕘 9:30–10:30 CET | Microsoft Teams
Register 👇
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5965f...
Executive remuneration, liability & termination across India and China.
A practical comparison with Apoorva Singh, focusing on key risks and recent developments.
🕘 9:30–10:30 CET | Microsoft Teams
Register 👇
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5965f...
Unitree named Robot Partner of China’s Spring Festival Gala 2026.
2025 saw strong global sales and awards. Founder Wang Xingxing: still early-stage, like early PCs, but rapid progress in AI, dexterity, real-world use. Robots may handle complex environments within 5y.
🎥 Video: Unitree at CIIE 2025.
2025 saw strong global sales and awards. Founder Wang Xingxing: still early-stage, like early PCs, but rapid progress in AI, dexterity, real-world use. Robots may handle complex environments within 5y.
🎥 Video: Unitree at CIIE 2025.
February 9, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Unitree named Robot Partner of China’s Spring Festival Gala 2026.
2025 saw strong global sales and awards. Founder Wang Xingxing: still early-stage, like early PCs, but rapid progress in AI, dexterity, real-world use. Robots may handle complex environments within 5y.
🎥 Video: Unitree at CIIE 2025.
2025 saw strong global sales and awards. Founder Wang Xingxing: still early-stage, like early PCs, but rapid progress in AI, dexterity, real-world use. Robots may handle complex environments within 5y.
🎥 Video: Unitree at CIIE 2025.
Fake ChatGPT & DeepSeek services uncovered in China.
SAMR fined firms under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law: 63,000 yuan for a fake ChatGPT on WeChat, and 30,000 yuan for an unauthorized “DeepSeek local deployment” site. Part of a wider AI IP crackdown.
www.scmp.com/tech/article...
SAMR fined firms under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law: 63,000 yuan for a fake ChatGPT on WeChat, and 30,000 yuan for an unauthorized “DeepSeek local deployment” site. Part of a wider AI IP crackdown.
www.scmp.com/tech/article...
China fines firms for fake ChatGPT and DeepSeek services
The two cases are among five examples made public by SAMR as it steps up efforts to fight unfair competition in China’s AI industry.
www.scmp.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Fake ChatGPT & DeepSeek services uncovered in China.
SAMR fined firms under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law: 63,000 yuan for a fake ChatGPT on WeChat, and 30,000 yuan for an unauthorized “DeepSeek local deployment” site. Part of a wider AI IP crackdown.
www.scmp.com/tech/article...
SAMR fined firms under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law: 63,000 yuan for a fake ChatGPT on WeChat, and 30,000 yuan for an unauthorized “DeepSeek local deployment” site. Part of a wider AI IP crackdown.
www.scmp.com/tech/article...
Big thanks to TURCK (Tianjin) Technology and the GCC for the warm hospitality and excellent organization. Special thanks to Jörg Neumann, René Bernard, and all participants. I was honored to share views on the managerial implications of China’s upcoming Eco-Environmental Code.
February 5, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Big thanks to TURCK (Tianjin) Technology and the GCC for the warm hospitality and excellent organization. Special thanks to Jörg Neumann, René Bernard, and all participants. I was honored to share views on the managerial implications of China’s upcoming Eco-Environmental Code.
Multinationals are racing into China’s instant retail market with 30–60 minute delivery. IKEA, Sam’s Club, Aldi Nord and Continental are testing or expanding fast delivery via local platforms, using China’s dense cities and advanced logistics as a global testbed.
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
Multinationals race into China’s US$143.9 billion instant retail market
Ikea, Continental and Aldi Nord enlist local partners to launch faster, more comprehensive delivery services than they offer abroad.
www.scmp.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Multinationals are racing into China’s instant retail market with 30–60 minute delivery. IKEA, Sam’s Club, Aldi Nord and Continental are testing or expanding fast delivery via local platforms, using China’s dense cities and advanced logistics as a global testbed.
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
www.scmp.com/business/chi...
🧧As the Year of the Horse approaches, horse motifs fill China’s shops. The horse stands for vitality, ambition and momentum: a year of action and breakthroughs. Last seen in 2014, it follows the strategic Snake and is followed by the calmer Sheep. Horse jewellery symbolizes drive and forward motion.
February 1, 2026 at 12:28 AM
🧧As the Year of the Horse approaches, horse motifs fill China’s shops. The horse stands for vitality, ambition and momentum: a year of action and breakthroughs. Last seen in 2014, it follows the strategic Snake and is followed by the calmer Sheep. Horse jewellery symbolizes drive and forward motion.
🚀 New nano-patch from China: POCKET is an ultra-flexible bioelectronic patch that hugs irregular organs (e.g. ovaries, kidneys). It delivers drugs 1,000× more efficiently than diffusion, avoids germline risks, limits side effects, enables precise local therapy.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/30/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/30/...
January 31, 2026 at 2:12 AM
🚀 New nano-patch from China: POCKET is an ultra-flexible bioelectronic patch that hugs irregular organs (e.g. ovaries, kidneys). It delivers drugs 1,000× more efficiently than diffusion, avoids germline risks, limits side effects, enables precise local therapy.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/30/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/30/...
🧧Many brands get creative ahead of Chinese New Year. Adidas even expanded its China Collection to pets: our Milly is now wearing Adidas too 🐶🐎
🧧The “sad” plush horse? A Yiwu factory error made it look like it’s crying. Now viral as a humorous symbol of modern work stress.
🧧The “sad” plush horse? A Yiwu factory error made it look like it’s crying. Now viral as a humorous symbol of modern work stress.
January 28, 2026 at 10:24 PM
🧧Many brands get creative ahead of Chinese New Year. Adidas even expanded its China Collection to pets: our Milly is now wearing Adidas too 🐶🐎
🧧The “sad” plush horse? A Yiwu factory error made it look like it’s crying. Now viral as a humorous symbol of modern work stress.
🧧The “sad” plush horse? A Yiwu factory error made it look like it’s crying. Now viral as a humorous symbol of modern work stress.
𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳 during a weekend? »Mercy« is a movie about one man, 90 minutes, and an AI-judge deciding whether he’s guilty or innocent.
We watched the original English version at our cinema here in Shanghai. Fast-paced, tense, and also a bit scary. Enjoyed it more than expected.
We watched the original English version at our cinema here in Shanghai. Fast-paced, tense, and also a bit scary. Enjoyed it more than expected.
January 25, 2026 at 11:13 PM
𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳 during a weekend? »Mercy« is a movie about one man, 90 minutes, and an AI-judge deciding whether he’s guilty or innocent.
We watched the original English version at our cinema here in Shanghai. Fast-paced, tense, and also a bit scary. Enjoyed it more than expected.
We watched the original English version at our cinema here in Shanghai. Fast-paced, tense, and also a bit scary. Enjoyed it more than expected.
🇦🇹🇩🇪🇨🇭A touch of the Alps in Shanghai
The DACH community came together to watch the legendary Kitzbühel downhill, followed by a proper après-ski party at Zeitgeist Bites. And 🇮🇹 won! 😉
The DACH community came together to watch the legendary Kitzbühel downhill, followed by a proper après-ski party at Zeitgeist Bites. And 🇮🇹 won! 😉
January 25, 2026 at 2:14 AM
🇦🇹🇩🇪🇨🇭A touch of the Alps in Shanghai
The DACH community came together to watch the legendary Kitzbühel downhill, followed by a proper après-ski party at Zeitgeist Bites. And 🇮🇹 won! 😉
The DACH community came together to watch the legendary Kitzbühel downhill, followed by a proper après-ski party at Zeitgeist Bites. And 🇮🇹 won! 😉
🇨🇳 From Jan 1, China rolls out elderly care subsidies for seniors with disabilities: e-vouchers up to 800 CNY/month (~104 EUR) for care services. Pilots issued 365k vouchers, redeeming 180m CNY (~23.4m EUR). Aimed at easing family burdens as aging accelerates.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/23/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/23/...
China introduces national subsidy for elderly care services to foster senior-friendly society
www.chinadaily.com.cn
January 24, 2026 at 6:42 AM
🇨🇳 From Jan 1, China rolls out elderly care subsidies for seniors with disabilities: e-vouchers up to 800 CNY/month (~104 EUR) for care services. Pilots issued 365k vouchers, redeeming 180m CNY (~23.4m EUR). Aimed at easing family burdens as aging accelerates.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/23/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/23/...
Have you heard of 𝗫𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗸? 🥩 China’s hot-pot giant Xiabuxiabu is entering the steak game.
▪️Taiwan-style thick-cut steaks.
▪️First store in Beijing.
▪️Beef sourced globally with full traceability.
▪️Set menus aimed at families and everyday dining.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/22/...
▪️Taiwan-style thick-cut steaks.
▪️First store in Beijing.
▪️Beef sourced globally with full traceability.
▪️Set menus aimed at families and everyday dining.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/22/...
January 22, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Have you heard of 𝗫𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗸? 🥩 China’s hot-pot giant Xiabuxiabu is entering the steak game.
▪️Taiwan-style thick-cut steaks.
▪️First store in Beijing.
▪️Beef sourced globally with full traceability.
▪️Set menus aimed at families and everyday dining.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/22/...
▪️Taiwan-style thick-cut steaks.
▪️First store in Beijing.
▪️Beef sourced globally with full traceability.
▪️Set menus aimed at families and everyday dining.
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/22/...
🚀 Consumer drones: From Feb 1, Shanghai opens “free-to-fly” zones across ~46% of the city. No prior approval if drones are registered. Applies to micro/light/small UAVs. 3 parks included. Restrictions remain. Managed via Suishenban app.
www.scmp.com/tech/policy/...
www.scmp.com/tech/policy/...
January 21, 2026 at 10:32 PM
🚀 Consumer drones: From Feb 1, Shanghai opens “free-to-fly” zones across ~46% of the city. No prior approval if drones are registered. Applies to micro/light/small UAVs. 3 parks included. Restrictions remain. Managed via Suishenban app.
www.scmp.com/tech/policy/...
www.scmp.com/tech/policy/...
‼️New 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 in China:
From May 2026, commercial mediation rests on a nationwide legal framework – confidential, flexible. Also for foreign and China-invested companies, this is a serious add-on to courts and arbitration. As SICMC mediators, Sebastian Wiendieck and I look at the details.
From May 2026, commercial mediation rests on a nationwide legal framework – confidential, flexible. Also for foreign and China-invested companies, this is a serious add-on to courts and arbitration. As SICMC mediators, Sebastian Wiendieck and I look at the details.
China Dispute Resolution – Mediation as Reliable Option
China’s new rules strengthen commercial mediation with greater legal certainty, interna-tional participation, and improved enforceability for businesses.
www.roedl.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:19 PM
‼️New 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 in China:
From May 2026, commercial mediation rests on a nationwide legal framework – confidential, flexible. Also for foreign and China-invested companies, this is a serious add-on to courts and arbitration. As SICMC mediators, Sebastian Wiendieck and I look at the details.
From May 2026, commercial mediation rests on a nationwide legal framework – confidential, flexible. Also for foreign and China-invested companies, this is a serious add-on to courts and arbitration. As SICMC mediators, Sebastian Wiendieck and I look at the details.
Thank you to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Shanghai for the invitation and evening reception. In the context of Prof. Norbert Lammert’s and Dr. Gerhard Wahlers’ visit, thanks to Dr. Norbert Riedel for his welcoming remarks. Much appreciated the personal exchange, excellent organization with a view.
January 19, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Thank you to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Shanghai for the invitation and evening reception. In the context of Prof. Norbert Lammert’s and Dr. Gerhard Wahlers’ visit, thanks to Dr. Norbert Riedel for his welcoming remarks. Much appreciated the personal exchange, excellent organization with a view.
Honored that Sebastian Wiendieck and I were appointed to the first mediator cohort of SICMC. Established in 2025 under Ministry of Justice supervision, SICMC reflects the rising role of commercial mediation in China. Glad to support the Sino-German platform with RÖDL China and the German Chamber.
January 18, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Honored that Sebastian Wiendieck and I were appointed to the first mediator cohort of SICMC. Established in 2025 under Ministry of Justice supervision, SICMC reflects the rising role of commercial mediation in China. Glad to support the Sino-German platform with RÖDL China and the German Chamber.
𝗜𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗼 Grünkohl Tour—Great atmosphere again in Shanghai Qingpu! Around 80 people joined a relaxed walk, cold beer, good conversations, and at the end Bernward’s Grünkohl (braised kale with sausages). One of those winter traditions that simply works every year. 🇩🇪🇨🇳
January 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM
𝗜𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗼 Grünkohl Tour—Great atmosphere again in Shanghai Qingpu! Around 80 people joined a relaxed walk, cold beer, good conversations, and at the end Bernward’s Grünkohl (braised kale with sausages). One of those winter traditions that simply works every year. 🇩🇪🇨🇳
🇩🇪🇨🇳 Two giant pandas may arrive in Munich from Sichuan on a high-profile loan. Personal note: from near Chengdu, my Chinese family’s home, to my old hometown. Classic panda diplomacy. Ceremony planned at Hellabrunn. Key details still undisclosed. 🐼
Spektakuläre Leihgabe aus China: Bären für Hellabrunn
Der Tierpark bekommt Zuwachs: Zwei Riesen-Pandas aus China sollen nach tz-Informationen in Hellabrunn einziehen.
www.merkur.de
January 17, 2026 at 1:07 AM
🇩🇪🇨🇳 Two giant pandas may arrive in Munich from Sichuan on a high-profile loan. Personal note: from near Chengdu, my Chinese family’s home, to my old hometown. Classic panda diplomacy. Ceremony planned at Hellabrunn. Key details still undisclosed. 🐼
🚀 China lift-off: a small sightseeing airship enters commercial service — not a mega CargoLifter.
1+9 pax | 4.15 t | 100 km/h | 700 km / 10 h | 3.1 km
Dev. since 2018, production certified 12/2025.
Contrast: market-ready scale vs Germany’s failed 160-t CargoLifter (2002).
1+9 pax | 4.15 t | 100 km/h | 700 km / 10 h | 3.1 km
Dev. since 2018, production certified 12/2025.
Contrast: market-ready scale vs Germany’s failed 160-t CargoLifter (2002).
AS700 airship receives production certificate, readies for flight services
The AS700, the largest airship China has developed, received its production certificate on Tuesday from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, paving the way for its delivery. At an issuance cere...
www.chinadaily.com.cn
January 7, 2026 at 12:20 AM
🚀 China lift-off: a small sightseeing airship enters commercial service — not a mega CargoLifter.
1+9 pax | 4.15 t | 100 km/h | 700 km / 10 h | 3.1 km
Dev. since 2018, production certified 12/2025.
Contrast: market-ready scale vs Germany’s failed 160-t CargoLifter (2002).
1+9 pax | 4.15 t | 100 km/h | 700 km / 10 h | 3.1 km
Dev. since 2018, production certified 12/2025.
Contrast: market-ready scale vs Germany’s failed 160-t CargoLifter (2002).
⚽️Do you know the Shanghai Krauts?
Founded in 1995 by German expatriates, they are true pioneers of Shanghai’s international amateur football scene. Honoured to receive the new backpack. Great to see our colleague Achim Schueller so active on and off the pitch.
Founded in 1995 by German expatriates, they are true pioneers of Shanghai’s international amateur football scene. Honoured to receive the new backpack. Great to see our colleague Achim Schueller so active on and off the pitch.
January 5, 2026 at 10:31 PM
⚽️Do you know the Shanghai Krauts?
Founded in 1995 by German expatriates, they are true pioneers of Shanghai’s international amateur football scene. Honoured to receive the new backpack. Great to see our colleague Achim Schueller so active on and off the pitch.
Founded in 1995 by German expatriates, they are true pioneers of Shanghai’s international amateur football scene. Honoured to receive the new backpack. Great to see our colleague Achim Schueller so active on and off the pitch.