Shein, the China-founded fast-fashion retailer, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong as part of a strategic move to accelerate its prolonged listing process and exert pressure on British regulators to approve its planned debut on the London Stock Exchange. The company’s London IPO plans have faced obstacles due to concerns over its supply chain linked to Xinjiang, as well as scrutiny regarding labor practices, data handling, and increasing regulatory and geopolitical pressures. Despite these challenges, London remains Shein’s preferred listing venue if UK authorities accept a China-approved prospectus. The Hong Kong filing is seen as a tactic to influence UK regulators amid a difficult period for the London market. Shein’s IPO saga has spanned over three years, with the company also considering other markets such as the US and New York. The move highlights the broader challenges faced by Chinese companies seeking listings abroad amid geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles.