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SCMP

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China and economy stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. China’s R&D growth passes US$496 billion in steady rise to hi-tech dominance
China’s research and development funding growth slowed for the third year in a row against the backdrop of a shaky economic recovery, but investment intensity is increasing at a steady pace as the country’s push for hi-tech self-reliance continues.
2. Trump tells Davos he is hopeful about US-China ties as he warns on tariffs
In his first speech at the World Economic Forum of his second term, US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about Sino-American relations while warning of tariffs on companies that do not manufacture stateside.
3. Will new Harry Potter park spell success as Shanghai tries to enchant tourists?

Shanghai is poised to up its game in the battle for tourists amid intensified competition in the region, with talks under way for a Harry Potter-themed area.
4. AI, big data and space tech: China’s plan to beef up emergency communications
China is looking to create a powerful communication network based on cutting-edge technologies to improve the country’s emergency responses, according to a plan released by Beijing.
5. How Trump’s team could use ideology as a weapon in its rivalry with China

Less talk about human rights and a continuing divergence of political ideologies could create two global spheres of influence, analysts say.
6. Chinese nationals ignore embassy warnings in gold rush to DRC’s troubled east
China’s embassy in the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo has been warning Chinese citizens and firms not to venture into the eastern part of the country because of worsening security.
7. Deep space ‘chorus waves’ found by China-led study sound alarms for astronauts

Peculiar electromagnetic bursts of energy known as “chorus waves” have been detected far from our planet for the first time by a China-led team of scientists, whose findings have raised new concerns about the risks for spacecraft and astronauts.


China’s push for hi-tech dominance, Trump’s hopes for Sino-US ties: SCMP daily highlights

Trump’s return, China’s mark on Panama Canal, Year of the Snake luck: SCMP’s 7 highlights

US reliance on China’s rare earths, Mach-4 drone tipped for flight: SCMP daily highlights

Childhood couple ties knot, Eddie Peng RedNote craze, table tennis row: 5 trending stories

SCMP Highlights

Early data shows that the intensity of China’s research spending continues to rise steadily, despite the economic headwinds. Photo: Shutterstock


Visitors wearing costumes take selfies at the opening of a Harry Potter-themed park in Japan in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE

illustration by Lau Ka-kuen

An artist’s depiction of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MSS) Mission. The four satellites have been collecting valuable data about the Earth’s magnetic field since 2015. Illustration: Nasa

AIIB president calls for ‘fundamental reforms’ to global institutions

Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, says current global governance structures are insufficient to represent the needs of emerging economies. Photo: Nora Tam

Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, says current global governance structures are insufficient to represent the needs of emerging economies. Photo: Reuters

Shanghai issues more consumption vouchers after shock fall in retail sales

Retail sales in Shanghai fell for only the second time in more than 40 years in 2024, as consumers continue to rein in spending. Photo: EPA-EFE

People walk past a row of billboards in a metro station in Shanghai. Retail sales in the city fell in 2024 as consumers remain reluctant to spend. Photo: Reuters

Chinese knifeman sentenced to death for deadly attack on Japanese school bus

Hu Youping died from her injuries two days after the attack. Photo: CCTV

The killer was detained at the scene of the attack in Suzhou. Photo: X/kounanronin

News

China

Economy

World

From China’s R&D growth passing US$496 billion to a planned Harry Potter park, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage


From China’s R&D growth passing US$496 billion to a planned Harry Potter park, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage.
