At a time of rising tension between China and the United States, Squire Patton Boggs has recruited a prominent partner to launch an international public policy practice in China.

Joining the firm’s Shanghai office, Yan Xuan was most recently the Greater China president for market research firm The Nielsen Co., where he oversaw operations in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In a statement, Squire Patton Boggs said Yan will advise Chinese companies on entering global markets and help the firm’s international clients operate and invest in China.