When you're about to sign with a Chinese supplier, the registration record is the first place to look. It tells you whether the company still legally exists, who controls it, and whether it has been penalized.
Start with operating status
A status of 存续 or 在业 means the company is active. 吊销 means its license was revoked. 注销 means it was formally deregistered. Never wire money to a company whose status is anything other than active.
Check the registered capital
Registered capital is a commitment, not cash in the bank. Paid-in capital is what has actually been deposited. When the two numbers diverge widely, treat the company as thinly capitalized.
Read the enforcement records
Court enforcement records and dishonest-debtor listings are the strongest red flags. A single active enforcement case can freeze the company's bank accounts without warning.