China Raids Offices of WPP Unit GroupM, Detains Executive

The Wall Street Journal: Chinese authorities raided the Shanghai offices of GroupM, a unit of London-based WPP, detaining an advertising executive and questioning others, including the Chief Executive in China, Patrick Xu. This move is part of a broader pattern where China is taking a tougher approach towards foreign businesses, despite calling for more foreign investment. Earlier this year, Chinese officials also raided other firms and enforced strict new data rules. These actions come as China focuses more on national security under leader Xi Jinping, damaging foreign businesses’ confidence in operating in the country. The reason behind the GroupM raid and executive detention is not yet clear. GroupM’s parent company, WPP, is the world’s largest ad holding firm and has significant business interests in China.

The entire article can be read at the link China Raids Offices of WPP Unit GroupM, Detains Executive – WSJ