As CBLJ celebrates a milestone, its founding publisher, Kelley Fong, reflects on the vision that gave rise to its creation, the journey so far, and the enduring ethos that will guide its future. Renowned in-house counsel and senior partners of leading law firms also shared their thoughts on CBLJ.
IN THE AUSPICIOUS YEAR OF THE SNAKE, China Business Law Journal (CBLJ) celebrates its 15-year anniversary. Over the years, we have weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, witnessing not only the meteoric evolution of China’s legal infrastructure but also the deepening symbiosis between global enterprises and the nation’s vibrant market. Looking back on this historical milestone, CBLJ’s growth mirrors the maturation of China’s legal market while reflecting the deeper trend of harmonising rules in an increasingly interconnected world.
Alchemy of business and law
As the first Chinese legal publication to position itself at the nexus of business and law, CBLJ has steadfastly championed the alignment of Chinese and international commercial legal practices, catalysing co-operation in global trade and investment.
Launched in 2009, a pivotal period following China’s accession to the WTO, the journal emerged as the country cemented its position within the global economic architecture. Foreign enterprises faced a steep learning curve in understanding China’s legal and commercial landscape, while Chinese businesses venturing abroad grappled with unfamiliar international rules.
“Why don’t we create something that can bridge this vast information gap in business law?” This was the idea that sparked CBLJ’s inception in the spring of 2009. Together with my partners, James Burden, Robin Weir and the late Christopher Hunter, we resolved to create a monthly legal journal that would support both businesses and the legal community alike.
Guided by this shared vision, we engaged with general counsel and lawyers across domestic and international circles, striving to create a platform that would transcend cultural differences and foster consensus.
Naming the journal was no small task, as the title would embody the founding team’s core beliefs and aspirations. While brainstorming, Christopher, whose deep appreciation of Chinese culture often inspired us, proposed the name “商法” (Shang Fa), meaning Business Law. It was a succinct yet profound choice, capturing our dual commitment to the business and legal communities. “商” (Business) reflects the dynamic needs of enterprises navigating an ever-changing market, while “法” (Law) underscores the stability and predictability of legal frameworks that ensure fairness and efficiency.
Yet, the name “商法” also carries broader connotations, representing the field of Chinese commercial law as a whole. As we embraced this name, a question lingered in my mind: Could we live up to the weight of these two characters? This sense of responsibility has driven me ever since, pushing our team to continually strive for excellence.
For the Chinese, names hold special significance – they represent promises, missions and aspirations. This belief has become an integral part of our team’s culture and identity.
The memory of naming CBLJ has become even more poignant for me following the passing of my mentor and dear friend, Christopher Hunter, in 2021 from multiple sclerosis. His pursuit of perfection and unwavering dedication to the legal field remain a source of inspiration, urging us to carry forward his legacy.
Today, with pride and gratitude, I present CBLJ to those who may not yet be familiar with it. The journal has remained true to the founding team’s original mission, evolving from a print journal into part of a leading international legal media organisation. It has moved beyond the traditional, one-way communication model of legal publishing, transforming abstract legal concepts into actionable business insights through case analyses, policy interpretations and practical guides.
For example, when China’s Anti-Monopoly Law was first implemented in 2009, CBLJ launched a dedicated series on compliance in mergers and acquisitions for both Chinese and foreign enterprises. By comparing antitrust standards in China with those in Europe and the US, we helped multinational corporations navigate the unique features of China’s competition policy framework. This problem-driven approach turned legal knowledge from static text into a practical tool for corporate decision making.
Anchoring value amid waves of change
During the past 15 years, the global business and legal landscape has undergone profound upheavals. From the regulatory overhaul prompted by the 2008 financial crisis to the rise of data sovereignty disputes in the digital economy, and from innovations in international dispute resolution under the Belt and Road Initiative to the reshaping of compliance systems driven by US-China trade tensions, CBLJ has remained a steady navigator. With a forward-looking perspective and a localised approach, we have cultivated a unique value as a legal media outlet across three key dimensions:
A trusted source of information on legal developments. Between 2014 and 2024, China introduced or revised more than 200 laws – a staggering legislative pace that has left businesses scrambling to keep up. In response, CBLJ pioneered an innovative reporting model that integrates policy tracking, expert analysis and actionable corporate strategies.
Take the new Company Law as an example. In six months, our editorial team partnered with more than 30 leading law firms to produce comprehensive analyses of critical issues including company formation, corporate governance, shareholder rights, mergers and divisions, capital structures and information disclosure. These meticulously crafted resources not only provided practical guidance for domestic and international enterprises but were also widely adopted as training materials for internal compliance.
By transforming complex legal developments into clear and structured knowledge, CBLJ has established itself as a trusted guide for businesses navigating regulatory change.
A translator of international rules. Bridging the gap between Chinese and international legal systems has always been central to our mission. By leveraging a global network of experts, we translate and interpret rules to foster meaningful dialogue.
When the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect, we launched a series of reports analysing cross-border data flow challenges, comparing GDPR with China’s Personal Information Protection Law. Through interviews with leading legal professionals and discussions with corporate executives, we provided a platform for sharing compliance strategies and the best practices.
This “two-way conversation” has deepened decision makers’ understanding of risk management in cross-border transactions, addressing critical gaps in regulatory awareness.
A detector of industry trends. As the legal industry evolves and readers’ needs become increasingly specialised, CBLJ has pioneered a series of in-depth reports, including the annual law firm revenue survey, law firm billing rate survey, and factors influencing law firm selection survey. Through comprehensive research and interviews with leading Chinese and international law firms across various sectors, these reports provide a clear and precise analysis of the market’s performance, opportunities and challenges. By identifying critical pain points in the legal ecosystem, CBLJ strengthens partnerships between corporate managers and external counsel, ushering in a virtuous cycle of growth and innovation.
Amid today’s shifting economic and geopolitical landscape, CBLJ has also launched award programmes designed to spotlight the invaluable contributions of in-house legal teams and individuals to their respective industries. Meanwhile, the journal’s annual awards for standout deals, law firms and lawyers serve as a trusted reference for businesses selecting external partners.
Weight of mission: Responsibility and vision
Born in Hong Kong in the 1970s, I gained a deep understanding of the profound significance of order in fostering a thriving commercial society. Growing up, I witnessed Hong Kong’s meteoric evolution from a regional trading port into a global financial powerhouse. By establishing a comprehensive legal system with a strong foundation for the rule of law, it nurtured a stable and trustworthy institutional framework where businesses could thrive under the assurance of fair contract enforcement, intellectual property protection, and effective dispute resolution. It was this foundation of integrity that transformed Hong Kong into a beacon for international capital and enterprises, establishing it as one of the most open and vibrant economies in the world.
After its return to China in 1997, Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” framework, retained its independent legal system and commercial order. This continuity safeguarded the city’s role as a trusted global hub, where capital flowed freely and opportunities flourished, creating a resilient foundation for the sustained prosperity of its financial, trade and logistics sectors.
It is this highly institutionalised and transparent commercial environment that has cemented Hong Kong’s role as a critical link between mainland China and the global market.
Born in Hong Kong, CBLJ has steadfastly carried the responsibility of fostering “East meets West” integration and promoting corporate governance, a mission that lies at the very heart of its DNA as a media organisation.
On the content front, the publication has sought to cultivate an industry-wide consensus that “compliance is competitiveness”, while advocating for Chinese enterprises to establish modern governance systems. In its reporting, interviews and awards, CBLJ has stood by principles of neutrality and impartiality, consistently offering multi-faceted, fact-based analysis. This approach offers meaningful, practical insights for corporate readers while recognising the tireless efforts of lawyers and legal professionals working to elevate industry standards. Anchored in its commitment to a value-driven vision of “business for good”, the publication moves beyond its traditional role as a media intermediary, positioning itself as a partner in shaping a law-based business environment.
In today’s world, marked by unprecedented global changes, such a mission demands unwavering resolve and the determination to overcome challenges.
Every time I see the two Chinese characters “商法” on the journal’s cover, written in the traditional clerical script, I am filled with a profound sense of warmth and encouragement. These characters, which have graced the publication since its inception, were penned by my mother, Lily Yung. A devoted lover of traditional Chinese art and an amateur calligrapher, she has spent decades volunteering to teach cancer patients at the Hong Kong Cancer Society, never accepting a cent in return. Her sharp mind, adaptability, quiet dedication and sense of social responsibility perfectly align with the values that CBLJ strives to uphold. These are the same values I hope the journal will continue to embrace for years to come.
Looking ahead, no matter the uncertainties, the spirit of “商法” will remain our compass, inspiring us to evolve and move forward with resolve.
The world today is a tapestry of challenges and opportunities. In technology, AI is reshaping legal services. How can generative AI be integrated with legal databases to build intelligent, cross-border compliance platforms? On the international stage, how can we navigate the impact of geopolitics on commercial rules and provide more resilient dispute resolution guidance for companies? In media, how can we balance in-depth content with fragmented reading? How do we reconcile professionalism with accessibility?
Perhaps the answer lies in the inaugural message of CBLJ’s first issue, in December 2009: “To meet a need – the needs of our readers are the direction of our efforts and the goal of our endeavours.” The essence of “商法” lies in embracing the vast while perfecting the intricate. In the next 15 years, we must adapt to technological change with greater openness and build stronger connections between diverse cultures through broader inclusivity. This evolution – from interpreting rules to building ecosystems – is not only a reaffirmation of CBLJ’s founding mission but also a timely and forward-looking response to the demands of an ever-changing world.
Fifteen years ago, the founding team established CBLJ with the vision of “where business and law converge”. Today, as the global economy enters a new cycle of rule making and restructuring, this founding principle is all the more precious.
Amid the multidimensional intersections of business and law, of local and international, of tradition and innovation, CBLJ must continue to be a torchbearer – not only illuminating the path ahead, but also igniting the spark for dialogue. I look forward to working hand in hand with the industry and our readers to root ourselves in China, connect through commerce, and weave a shared fabric of understanding through the lens of law. Together, let us craft a new narrative of globalisation.
In conclusion, I would like to dedicate this article as a special tribute to the memory of Christopher Hunter.
