This is the second volume of the France instalment of DeHeng Law Offices' Cross-Border Enforcement Guideline series. Volume 1 answers fifteen questions on the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments between France and the Chinese mainland, and carries the sources, the note on figures and the verification status on which both volumes rest.

As trade and cross-border investment between France and China continue to expand, the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments between France and the Chinese mainland has become a critical issue that market participants must address at the dispute resolution stage. This is the France instalment of DeHeng Law Offices’ Cross-Border Enforcement Guideline series. In a Q&A format, it systematically maps the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments between France and the Chinese mainland, with a particular focus on the Sino-French Judicial Assistance Agreement of 4 May 1987, the 2023 PRC Civil Procedure Law, and the relevant doctrinal evolution and judicial practice. It covers civil and commercial judgments only; the arbitral awards instalment will be published separately.

For years, the structuring reflex was simple: to invest in Europe, a Chinese group could acquire through a European subsidiary or holding and stay outside national foreign-investment screening. That route is now closing. On 8 June 2026, the Council of the EU gave final approval to a revised FDI Screening Regulation (overhauling Regulation (EU) 2019/452). It makes screening mandatory in all 27 Member States and, most importantly for Chinese investors, extends it to indirect control: an EU acquirer ultimately controlled by a non-EU parent is now caught. The lesson from our previous note still holds, and goes further. In Europe, “not notifiable” does not mean “no risk”, and a European holding no longer makes the problem disappear.

In our view, the principal thrust of the New ODI Regulations lies in requiring enterprises to manage cross-border investment compliance in a more systematic and front-loaded manner. We have recently received a number of client inquiries on the implications of the New ODI Regulations for ongoing or planned overseas investment projects. This article provides a preliminary review of the key changes and practical implications of the New ODI Regulations, ahead of their effective date, for reference by enterprises in planning and implementing cross-border investment projects.