I have recently joined a Chinese firm with a decent pay raise. But work has been really slow, is it normal to have a slow start at a new role even for non-fresh grads?

Maybe its just the industry or that people are too busy to intro/ include you in their projects?

Go on and take initiative that you wanna take on new projects!

I was made known of the term "token hire" recently, where my friend joined a MNC and wasn't given a project throughout their probation period, which was ultimately extended since there's nothing to evaluate them on. If you are of a unique race/nationality/gender within the team, you might just be one too - though some companies do give their new hires a honeymoon period to get used to how the company is being run.

Use this time to make good connections with your colleagues.