On February 20, 2025, Asian Legal Business ("ALB"), a world-leading legal directory owned by Thomson Reuters, unveiled its 2025 ALB China Top 15 Overseas Investment Lawyers. Han Kun lawyer Tao Lan was named to the list, owing to his exceptional performance in the field.
Mr. Lan specializes in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and international investments, establishing himself as one of China's most highly reputed practitioners in outbound transactions. Over two decades of practice, he has advised multinational corporations on inbound investments into China and represented Chinese enterprises in landmark overseas expansions, witnessing firsthand the evolution of China's economy from absorbing foreign capital to driving global growth. Mr. Lan has distinguished himself in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. As a lead transactional lawyer, he has played pivotal roles in some of China's most significant and complex outbound projects over the past two decades, including multibillion-dollar investments in oil and gas, minerals, and infrastructure. These deals span private and listed companies, with assets across the globe, many of which were hailed as "Deals of the Year" for their milestone significance.
As China's Belt and Road Initiative enters its second decade and the "dual-circulation" strategy deepens, Chinese enterprises are reshaping global commerce with increasing sophistication. Against a backdrop of shifting economic dynamics in 2024 and 2025, cross-border expansion has transitioned from an option to a necessity. In this transformative era, lawyers like Mr. Lan serve as both risk mitigators and value creators, building expertise across international commercial law, cross-border investments, and data compliance.
The ALB list evaluates candidates based on their professional achievements, major projects over the past 12 months, client feedback, and cross-jurisdictional capabilities. It aims to honor pioneers who blend global vision with local expertise, driving China's outbound business endeavors.
