US fast-food chain Five Guys has also expanded its footprint in China, recently entering Beijing with two stores opening simultaneously at Chaoyang Joy City and Xidan Joy City. The launches drew long queues, with waits exceeding two hours during the lunch rush and scalpers reportedly charging up to 100 yuan to hold spots in line, according to media reports.

　　Five Guys is far from cheap, with a regular burger priced at 70 yuan and even a small order of fries at 32 yuan. But its 16 customizable toppings offer novelty and choice, helping attract Chinese consumers despite the premium pricing.

　　Meanwhile, Walmart, which has operated in China for 30 years, reflects the continued commitment of long-established multinationals to the Chinese market.

　　Walmart has recently opened 20 new community stores in Shenzhen, expanding its presence through a format designed to serve everyday needs in neighborhoods. The company told the Global Times that the format is now expanding beyond Shenzhen, with the first stores in Suzhou and Guangzhou set to open in the second half of the year.

　　At Walmart China"s 30th anniversary event on Wednesday, Walmart China President and CEO Zhu Xiaojing said that the retailer has built an integrated omnichannel network spanning hypermarkets, community stores, Sam"s Clubs, front warehouses and distribution centers, with online sales accounting for more than half of its China sales last year.

　　"We remain confident in the Chinese market and will continue to increase our strategic investment in China," Zhu said, adding that Walmart will further expand its omnichannel presence, deepen community engagement and work with suppliers to strengthen differentiated product offerings, according to The Paper.