The first year of China’s reopening, following its self-imposed isolation during COVID-19, turned into one of growinguncertainty for European businesses operating in the country. The lifting of pandemic-related control measures initiallyprovided companies with a sense of optimism, in no small part due to the ability to travel again, which allowed for reengagement with head offices in Europe. However, it soon became evident there would be no rapid recovery. China’sdeeper structural issues—i