I would be interested to read something about foreign companies trying to (or have) entered the chinese market, and vice versa, chinese companies global development.

This comes up sometimes, but its always too general. "Problems companies face...blah blah," I would like a real report with actual data.

Also something about subcultures in the society here. We always here about the same old  type of people. In a population this large, subgroups still must exist even though its largely a homogenous culture.

Their are many ideas im sure.... but the general one-view opinion articles kinda get lame.

What type of essay? Argument, description, or other? Or does it matter? How many words? I might have some suggestions provided I need not grade them.

  My advice is not to ask us but the students. Make that a pre-essay assignment. It'll give you a wealth of material. People like to talk about themselves and their own interests, so find what interests them, take a poll of your students opinions on which are most interesting and use those.

The topic should be like this for your student "What question you should ask from foreigner when you meet them first time.." I am sure..99% of student will write the same essay..

What better time than now to talk about government censorship?