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A security guard drinks from a bottle near an ad for e-CNY, or digital yuan, in Beijing on August 31, 2022. Photo: AP

China Economy

China adds 12 banks to digital yuan system, expanding e-CNY’s economic presence

More than doubling the number of institutions using digital yuan in day-to-day operations, China is deepening the currency's role in its financial system.

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How China plans to use new law to further its financial superpower ambitions

US loses, Europe gains: what’s happening with China’s rare earth magnet exports?

China Economy

China’s Russian oil imports spike in early 2026, but Iran war changes outlook

China’s need to bolster crude stockpiles amid rising geopolitical risks likely to have been a factor behind pre-war import surge, analyst says.

An attendant holds a petrol nozzle after refuelling a car at a petrol station in Beijing last week. China imported 159.79 million barrels of Russian crude in the first two months of the year. Photo: Reuters
An attendant holds a petrol nozzle after refuelling a car at a petrol station in Beijing last week. China imported 159.79 million barrels of Russian crude in the first two months of the year. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

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China Economy

How China’s Hainan reinvented itself as Hong Kong’s rival – and partner

The island province has become a low-tax gateway and is ready to tap Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, research and other sectors, officials say.

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Global Economy

‘Not easy’: Japan mulls building its own LNG carriers amid Iran energy crisis

China and South Korea dominate global production of vessels for carrying natural gas, but Japan now sees industry as key to its energy security.

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A liquefied natural gas carrier is under construction at a shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. Japan may restart domestic production of LNG carriers, aiming to break into a market dominated by South Korea and China. Photo: Getty Images
A liquefied natural gas carrier is under construction at a shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. Japan may restart domestic production of LNG carriers, aiming to break into a market dominated by South Korea and China. Photo: Getty Images

Global Economy

US federal debt becoming ‘alarmingly unsustainable’ as Iran war fuels spending

Washington’s rapid accumulation of sovereign debt sparks outcry, with some analysts questioning if Trump has the political will to cut the deficit.

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China Economy

Survey shows China’s professionals have high expectations – for low pay

As some Chinese workers switch jobs to boost salaries, many remain pessimistic about pay increases amid economic uncertainty.

China Economy

China’s central bank pledges stability in capital markets amid global sell-off

With worries over the Iran war driving down stock prices, the People’s Bank of China has named market stability as a ‘major task’ in 2026.

Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, speaks during a press conference on the sideline of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 6, 2026. Photo: AP

Global Economy

As war in Iran roils energy markets, Europe pays price of ‘dependency’

Governments are racing to respond, as oil and gas prices raise fears of a further spike in living costs.

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A man refuels his car in a petrol station in Villeneuve d’Ascq, north France, on March 11. Photo: Xinhua
A man refuels his car in a petrol station in Villeneuve d’Ascq, north France, on March 11. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

If the Iran war takes oil above US$120 a barrel, how bad could the shock get?

With major energy assets now coming under attack and the Strait of Hormuz still closed, analysts fear a longer supply shock.

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China Economy

Shanghai certifies 30 overseas offices amid China’s investment sales pitch

The city welcomed a batch of new regional headquarters and R&D centres this week, as China continues its campaign to win back overseas capital.

China Business

Exclusive | Singapore-headquartered GLP eyes 50% rent surge as China demand fuels growth

Firm will ride Beijing’s push for domestic demand by expanding logistics, data centres and renewable energy capacity, GLP China CEO says.

A solar farm built by GLP on a fishery site in Suzhou, eastern Jiangsu province. Photo: Handout

China Economy

China’s youth unemployment falls for sixth consecutive month in February

But young job-hunters say they are still struggling to find work in a testing post-holiday labour market amid rising global economic uncertainty.

Young people line up at career guidance booths during a job fair in Beijing on March 14 as China’s youth unemployment rate grows amid a testing post-holiday labour market. Photo: Reuters
Young people line up at career guidance booths during a job fair in Beijing on March 14 as China’s youth unemployment rate grows amid a testing post-holiday labour market. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

China taps reserves as Iran war disrupts 30% of global fertiliser trade

War in the Middle East is causing global disruption – from oil to agriculture – as countries, including China, enter spring planting season.

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China Economy

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

Beijing has removed several key restrictions on its payment system, allowing it to expand beyond yuan settlements, economist says.

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Global Economy

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Illustration: Henry Wong

Global Economy

Chinese ‘vertical dramas’ are booming in America. Should Hollywood be worried?

Chinese platforms hosting bite-size soap operas about werewolves and mafia dons are drawing big audiences – and shaking up the streaming market.

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China Economy

As megacities slow, China’s smaller counties lead as new consumer hotspots

Survey last year found that nearly 80 per cent of consumers in China’s third- and fourth-tier cities were optimistic about the economy.

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China Economy

China rises up ‘elite quality’ league table as AI investment booms

China ranked 19th in the latest Elite Quality Index, which assesses whether national elites create sustainable value for their countries.

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Visitors watch humanoid robots fight at the Unitree Robotics booth during the World Robot Conference in Beijing. China has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging sectors in recent years. Photo: Reuters
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OPINION
David Dodwell

Outside In | As Iran war escalates, the US ramps up its trade war

David Dodwell
Lijia Zhang

Opinion | China’s high household savings reflect old values and new anxieties

Lijia Zhang
Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | China is weathering the Iran war oil shock better than others in Asia

Nicholas Spiro
Jeffrey Wu

Opinion | China is re-engineering its economy for a more complex world

Jeffrey Wu
Nicholas Spiro

The View | Why Iran war disruption isn’t enough to unsettle Asia’s hotels

Nicholas Spiro
Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Trump hasn’t counted on financial blowback from his war with Iran

Anthony Rowley
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MULTIMEDIA
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Iran war sparks fuel crises in parts of Asia

Clients queue at a gas station amid rising petrol prices in Karachi on March 7, 2026. (Photo by Rizwan TABASSUM / AFP)
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German leader greeted by robot dance troupe in China

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Chinese tourists have a new favourite country this Lunar New Year

South Korea now tops the list of Lunar New Year destinations for Chinese travellers amid heightened tensions between China and the former top destination, Japan.
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With Maduro out, are Chinese investments in Venezuela at risk?

US move calls into question China’s future financial commitments in Latin American country, potentially hurting Beijing’s regional strategy.
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TRENDING TOPICS
China trade
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Will China’s yuan lift Strait of Hormuz blockade? Analysts urge caution

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Papers please: China raises pressure on Panama with ship inspection wave

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How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

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China and the US end trade talks in Paris as doubts form over Trump visit

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Red Sea fix? China-bound oil tankers tap Saudi plan to dodge Strait of Hormuz

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