Post by Choy Yiu Chan

"You need to make sure you have each other's phone number when something happens." That quote from Frank Heemskerk (Head Global Affairs ASML) in today's article on the Dutch trade mission to China stayed with me. The article describes how the immediate tensions surrounding Nexperia may have eased, while a much larger challenge is emerging: increasing geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and growing uncertainty for companies operating between Europe and China. Yet one message came back repeatedly throughout the article: dialogue matters. Working with clients across Europe and China, we have always recognised this. In recent years, we have all been focusing on geopolitical risks, investment screening, export controls, sanctions, supply chain resilience and compliance. And rightly so. These developments have fundamentally changed the legal landscape for international business. But reading this article confirms this ancient approach again: having a personal relationship is key! The more complex the environment becomes, the more important it is to invest in relationships. Not only when negotiations become difficult. Not only when a dispute arises. But long before that. Technology has made communication easier than ever. Yet, in our experience, nothing replaces sitting down together, visiting your business partners, understanding each other's perspectives and building trust face to face. Because when challenges arise—and they inevitably will—it is much easier to solve them if there is already a relationship. And also more pleasant. Legal advice, contracts and compliance frameworks remain essential. But they are strongest when they are built on a foundation of mutual trust. This trade missions confirms this again. Not just opening doors today, but ensuring that tomorrow, when difficult conversations need to happen, people already know each other well enough to pick up the phone. https://lnkd.in/eup2TAfx #China #InternationalBusiness #Geopolitics #CrossBorderBusiness #Trust #Leadership #Trade #ChinaBusiness #EquasiaLaw