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Illustration: Henry Wong
China manufacturing

China’s exports are booming – so why are plants in this factory hub closing?

Dongguan reflects a growing polarisation in the Chinese economy, with many factories and workers left behind as hi-tech firms surge ahead.

China travel

Middle East oil shock sparks global airfare rises, with 9% increases feared

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China exports

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

China energy security

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 energy security

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 shipbuilding

‘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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Banking & finance

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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US sovereign debt has soared in recent years, with analysts warning that the Iran war could fuel even greater borrowing. Photo: AP
US sovereign debt has soared in recent years, with analysts warning that the Iran war could fuel even greater borrowing. Photo: AP
China jobs

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.

Banking & finance

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.

US, Israel war on Iran

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
China energy security

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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Iran launched attacks on Gulf energy sites, including Qatar’s huge Ras Laffan LNG facility (pictured), in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Photo: AFP
Iran launched attacks on Gulf energy sites, including Qatar’s huge Ras Laffan LNG facility (pictured), in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Photo: AFP
Shanghai

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 food security

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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Banking & finance

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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China has been promoting its own cross-border payment system as it seeks to hedge against potential weaponisation of the US financial system. Photo: AFP
China energy security

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

But analysts warn the strategy can only partially offset disruptions and that security risks remain high.

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This handout satellite image taken by 2026 Planet Labs PBC shows the oil infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea port of Yanbu on March 4, 2026. Photo: AFP
This handout satellite image taken by 2026 Planet Labs PBC shows the oil infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea port of Yanbu on March 4, 2026. Photo: AFP
Chinese offshore investment

China’s multibillion-dollar minerals investment lifts foreign economies: report

Country has invested more than US$120 billion in overseas mining and mineral processing projects since 2023, study says.

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China’s C919 passenger plane

China fine-tunes C909 jet operations in Laos – a blueprint for Southeast Asia?

Lessons from Laos could help Comac boost overseas sales of C909 and C919 – but analyst says buyers will be closely watching for safety.

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China-Russia relations

China, Russia look to boost transport links amid Middle East disruption

Increased use of Arctic shipping route among topics covered at inaugural China-Russia Logistics Business Forum.

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An oil tanker navigates through young Arctic sea ice. Photo: Shutterstock Images
An oil tanker navigates through young Arctic sea ice. Photo: Shutterstock Images
US-China relations

With Trump’s China trip in limbo, further trade talks loom: analysts

As the US president cites the Iran war for his delay and Paris talks see only minor progress, experts said more negotiations were likely.

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China energy security

Unlimited petrol? Chinese firm claims it can produce fuel from air and water

The start-up plans to build ‘large-scale’ facilities to convert carbon dioxide into synthetic fuel, though some question its commercial feasibility.

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China trade

As shipping risks mount, Xi pushes international port alliance as fail-safe

A speech last year highlights Beijing’s focus on maritime rights – a concern analysts say will only intensify as threats to global shipping increase.

Tensions flared between China and Panama last year over two ports, which Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison had operated on the Panama Canal for decades. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

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

The two sides held deep, frank and constructive consultations, China’s top international negotiator says.

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Chinese vice minister of commerce Li Chenggang gives his assessment of two days of meetings with US counterparts in Paris on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Chinese vice minister of commerce Li Chenggang gives his assessment of two days of meetings with US counterparts in Paris on Monday. Photo: Reuters
US-China trade war

Why Trump pushing China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz may hurt trade talks

US president’s threat to delay summit with Xi adds uncertainty to Paris negotiations, analysts say.

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China trade

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

Intensified inspections for Panama-flagged vessels – among the world’s most common registrations – retaliation for canal port seizure, source says.

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China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

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A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Khor Fakkan, the United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026. Photo: AP
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