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China economy

China economy
Breaking news and analysis on China’s economy, including its opening up, the US-China trade war, the impact of tariffs and trade talks, growth rates and other key economic data, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Greater Bay Area plan.
The US Capitol building is seen following rain showers. The US federal government’s debt alone accounts for more than 10 per cent of all the debt in the world, spanning government, household, financial and non-financial corporate sectors in more than 100 economies, according to the Institute of International Finance. Photo: AFP
Banking & finance

US$365 trillion and counting: the world’s total debt hits record high, IIF finds

Debt climbs US$10 trillion in six months as fiscal strains deepen, exposing cracks in household and corporate balance sheets.

China consumption

Boosting China’s social safety net could address consumption woes: IMF director

China manufacturing

As Chinese carmakers diversify beyond CATL, Beijing warns of market overreaction

US-China relations

China’s US dollar holdings

China’s direct holdings of US Treasuries fell to an 18-year low in August as the country shifts to buying the bonds via Europe while continuing to diversify by increasing gold reserves.

China’s US dollar holdings
China energy security

China launches ‘mineral exploration offensive’ amid growing global uncertainties

Beijing is scouring the nation for resources ranging from oil to rare earths, as it tries to shield its economy from rising geopolitical turbulence.

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Banking & finance

Will Hong Kong property market benefit as online financial firms get physical?

Online brokerages and digital banks are opening branches across city after a sharp drop in shop rents in prime locations.

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Yuan

Digital yuan push quickens as Ant International spurs instant cross-border flows

The Shanghai-to-Hong Kong settlements worth hundreds of millions of yuan bypassed traditional channels and could accelerate Beijing’s broader yuan strategy.

China is scaling up adoption of the digital yuan as it seeks to embed it more deeply into the country’s financial system. Photo: dpa
China jobs

China’s gig economy

Some 320 million people work in China’s gig economy. The growth in jobs offering few benefits and little security reflects challenges to finding permanent employment, especially for record numbers of new graduates.

China technology

Are clinical trials about to become a new front in the US-China biotech race?

China’s ability to conduct clinical trials quickly and cheaply has given it an edge in the biotech sector – and the US is growing concerned.

China stock market

As Buffett exits, China embraces his investment legacy. Will Wall Street buy it?

Chinese regulators push patient capital, reshape US$4.5 trillion mutual fund industry towards long-term holdings as foreign investors weigh risks against thin IPO pipelines.

In this 2010 image, Warren Buffett is seen at a BYD product-launch conference in Beijing, two years after the company he founded, Berkshire Hathaway, invested in the Chinese automaker. Photo: Getty Images
China food security

Weathering the storm: can China’s grain reserves defend against El Nino?

As climate shocks and supply chain disruptions push global food prices higher, Beijing believes it has the tools to fend off rising risks.

China’s summer grain harvest exceeded 150 million tonnes for the first time this year. Photo: Xinhua
2026 Xi-Trump summits

US tightens Japan, South Korea ties ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Days before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington, the US underscored relations with Japan and South Korea.

Semiconductors

China’s old Han Xin barcode gets a second life – this time shrunk on silicon

After failing to unseat the QR code years ago, Beijing is betting that a “micro” version of its home-grown barcode can gain a foothold in the global semiconductor supply chain.

China-EU relations

A shift by China towards service-based economy may realign trade, EU group says

The nation has seen little progress towards addressing ‘involution’, with output still growing beyond absorption rate, says an EU trade group.

The Europe Union and Chinese flags. Photo: Getty Images
Low-altitude economy

Low-altitude sector hits turbulence in China’s Hangzhou as subsidies face repeal

Hangzhou tech hub looks to end financial incentives for development of light aerial vehicles, including eVTOLs, signalling more optimised regulations after June crash.

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A visitor exits an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in China’s Hubei province earlier this year. Photo: Xinhua
China's economic recovery

Economists urge Beijing to act fast on local-level debt while prices remain low

Prominent advisers note importance of central authorities expanding borrowing to fund infrastructure before the current window of subdued inflation closes.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

US, China agree AI dialogue ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Eight hours of trade talks on Sunday produced agreements on artificial intelligence and trade as President Xi Jinping readies to fly to the US.

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China energy security

Canada sells more oil and gas to China as relations with US sour

China’s imports of Russian energy products also rise sharply as Beijing diversifies its energy supplies.

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The Imperial Oil refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, on September 2. Photo: Reuters
Biomedicine: Industry Trends

China’s five-year plan for pharmaceuticals and biomedicine

China aims to become a global drug powerhouse by 2030, according to its five-year development plan for the pharmaceutical and biomedicine sector.

World Gold Council

As China’s consumption of gold jewellery slumps 34%, sellers pivot abroad: WGC

Domestic gold jewellers are seeking to leverage advanced crafting techniques as market sees turbulence, says World Gold Council executive.

China-EU relations

Open Questions | ‘Trade is never free’: former WTO chief Pascal Lamy on the EU’s China challenge

He says Chinese authorities’ lack of interest in addressing structural macroeconomic imbalance a ‘huge problem’ for European Union.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Up in the air? Why Boeing’s massive China deal could hinge on Trump-Xi talks

Beijing agreed to buy 200 Boeing jets during Trump’s visit to China in May. But the deal has yet to materialise – and could depend on summit outcome.

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An Air China Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner taxis to a runway before takeoff at Beijing Capital Airport on May 9, 2026. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong property

How the new Huanggang Port is sparking a cross-border property boom

The new port is expected to dramatically speed up crossings between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, making cross-border living more convenient.

China property

Will incentives give China’s housing market more than a short-lived rebound?

Sales of new units in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen have risen following central government moves designed to revive buyer confidence.

Kazakhstan

Reporter’s notebook: Kazakhstan trip shows promise, limits of Central Asia ties

It will soon be possible to fly direct from Hong Kong to Almaty, but in the meantime a little flexibility is required.

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The Nur-Astana Mosque is the third-largest mosque in Central Asia. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | More than ever, Hong Kong’s global character is an asset to the nation

The city can bridge China and the world, adding value to every connection, but to deliver on this promise, it needs everyone on board.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US Federal Reserve

Editorial | Global monetary tightening tests China’s 2-speed economy

While the domestic hi-tech sector builds momentum, traditional exporters struggling with shifting trade patterns will need targeted support.

China energy security

China’s crude imports are rising again. What will that mean for oil prices?

China’s plunging oil imports prevented a bigger price spike after the Iran war broke out, but its crude purchases are now ticking up again.

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