TOPIC

Ministry of Commerce (China)

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China: A prominent Beijing-based governmental body, MOFCOM is a cabinet-level executive department of the State Council. Its primary mission is to formulate policies on domestic and foreign trade, economic cooperation, and market regulation, promoting China’s economic development and trade. Key activities include overseeing inbound and outbound investment, drafting trade laws, and negotiating international trade agreements. MOFCOM plays a significant role in forging China’s global economic policy and is instrumental in attracting foreign investment and optimising the business environment.

Beijing said it will continue discussing reciprocal tariff reductions within the framework of a newly established trade board with Washington. Photo: AP

US-China trade war

China vows to pursue US tariff cuts while decrying ‘malicious’ trade acts

Beijing targets ‘win-win’ ties, dangling a US$300 billion proposal while justifying fresh restrictions on American firms over a Pentagon blacklist.

25 Jun 2026 - 9:00PM

China exports

China’s new front in rare earth export violations: rewarding tip-offs

24 Jun 2026 - 8:13PMvideocam

US-China trade war

China targets US rare earth miners as Pentagon faces restocking rush

23 Jun 2026 - 5:04PM

China's economic recovery

Beijing’s plan to revive foreign direct investment

SCMP Plus annotates 15-point plan released by the central government aimed at attracting foreign investment and reversing a decline in capital inflows.

23 Jun 2026 - 4:11PM

Beijing’s plan to revive foreign direct investment

China's economic recovery

China steps up push to revive foreign investment. Will it be enough?

The measures include greater market access in services, finance and healthcare, though analyst says it remains unclear how the reforms will be implemented.

22 Jun 2026 - 10:30PM

US-China trade war

China adds 10 US firms to export control list, restricts 46 others

Export operators are prohibited from shipping dual-use items to the 10 firms, with China citing the need to safeguard its national security.

22 Jun 2026 - 1:38PM

Artificial intelligence

China plans to embed AI in consumer goods and services

Ministry of Commerce says goal is to promote AI’s entry into ‘millions of households and millions of shops’.

19 Jun 2026 - 8:00PM

A robot introduces visitors to an embodied intelligence innovation industrial estate in Zhongguancun, in Beijing’s Haidian district, on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

US-China trade war

China vows new legal shield that could counter US sanctions and protect finance

‘We don’t stir up trouble,’ He Lifeng says as first vice-premier to attend annual Lujiazui Forum since 2019, ‘but we’re absolutely not afraid of it’.

17 Jun 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

E-commerce

As 618 shopping frenzy grows, Beijing warns e-commerce giants over price tactics

Officials summoned Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Douyin and RedNote over marketing practices, underscoring official concern about subsidy wars.

11 Jun 2026 - 5:51PM

China manufacturing

China’s 5-year plans significantly impact American factories: US study

A study finds that American plants in counterpart industries targeted by Beijing experience job cuts and a fall in investment.

8 Jun 2026 - 9:30PM

A worker monitors products at a packaging factory in Lianyungang, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on May 18. Photo: CN-STR/AFP

China-EU relations

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

5 Jun 2026 - 12:06AM

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, seen in May, says the EU is seeking “meaningful and sustainable" discussions with Beijing. Photo: pool via AP

China trade

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

China-EU relations

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

3 Jun 2026 - 8:55PMvideocam

China trade

Australian beef will soon be hit by 55% tariff in China, ministry says

China’s imports of Australian beef are about to surpass a quota introduced by Beijing to protect domestic farmers.

2 Jun 2026 - 6:30PM

Farmers look at cattle at a weekly livestock sale in New South Wales, Australia. China is a major export market for Australian beef producers. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

31 May 2026 - 8:32PMvideocam

China’s commerce ministry says China and the EU are exploring a trade and investment consultation mechanism, but it has not offered details of the plan. Photo: CN-STR/AFP

US-China relations

US investment returning? Chinese data shows double-digit growth in early 2026

Other rapidly growing sources of foreign direct investment included Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, Ministry of Commerce says.

25 May 2026 - 7:32PM

US-China relations

Opinion | Despite summit pledges, don’t expect US-China trade to improve

The near-term trajectory of China-US economic ties rests on several key timelines, any of which could trigger new tensions.

19 May 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

China confirms deal to buy US aircraft after Donald Trump’s visit

Ministry of Commerce’s statement follows US president’s comments that Beijing had agreed to buy at least 200 jets from Boeing.

16 May 2026 - 10:02PMvideocam

Donald Trump said China had agreed to buy at least 200 planes from the US aerospace firm. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

Beijing invokes legal blockade against EU investigation into Nuctech

The Ministry of Commerce condemned Brussels for escalating the probe, accusing the bloc of coercing Chinese banking institutions.

16 May 2026 - 6:05PM

China-France relations

Beijing urges France to respect one-China principle during high-level talks

Top diplomat Wang Yi tells visiting French senior adviser the countries should strengthen a partnership ‘free from external interference’.

9 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

China urges US to drop trade probe as key Trump-Xi summit approaches

The White House’s Section 301 investigations were launched to identify structural excess capacity among 16 trading partners, including China.

6 May 2026 - 6:45AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump announces worldwide tariffs on April 2, 2025. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

US-China relations

China says to ignore US sanctions even as Trump visit nears

Beijing issued an unprecedented order to ignore US sanctions just ahead of presidential summit in Beijing.

4 May 2026 - 5:32PM

Hengli Group’s petrochemical industrial park on Changxing Island in Dalian, northeast China. Photo: Xinhua

US-China relations

The US sanctioned Chinese oil refineries. Now China is really pushing back

Beijing has wheeled out its ‘Blocking Rules’ for the first time, ordering non-compliance with the American action.

3 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

27 Apr 2026 - 7:35PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

Commerce ministry said Brussels would ‘bear the consequences’ after 27 mainland and Hong Kong firms were added to the latest blacklist.

26 Apr 2026 - 7:40PMvideocam

The EU has introduced 20 rounds of sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

Polish firm to replace state-backed Chinese giant as Brussels uses regulatory powers to curb what it says is market-distorting foreign aid.

21 Apr 2026 - 8:36PMvideocam

Workers operate on a production line at an assembly workshop of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive in China’s Hunan province. Photo: Xinhua

China-EU relations

China threatens EU firms over cybersecurity plans targeting Chinese companies

China’s commerce ministry warns broad retaliation is on the table if firms such as Huawei and ZTE are penalised by proposed law.

20 Apr 2026 - 8:01PMvideocam

US-Venezuela conflict

‘Eager to explore’: Chinese migrants return to Venezuela after Maduro’s capture

A large chunk of Venezuela’s Chinese community fled overseas during Maduro’s rule. Now, many are returning as they see ‘new opportunities’.

12 Apr 2026 - 10:08AMvideocam

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Ministry of Commerce (China)

China vows to pursue US tariff cuts while decrying ‘malicious’ trade acts

Beijing targets ‘win-win’ ties, dangling a US$300 billion proposal while justifying fresh restrictions on American firms over a Pentagon blacklist.

China’s new front in rare earth export violations: rewarding tip-offs

China targets US rare earth miners as Pentagon faces restocking rush

Beijing’s plan to revive foreign direct investment

SCMP Plus annotates 15-point plan released by the central government aimed at attracting foreign investment and reversing a decline in capital inflows.

China steps up push to revive foreign investment. Will it be enough?

The measures include greater market access in services, finance and healthcare, though analyst says it remains unclear how the reforms will be implemented.

China adds 10 US firms to export control list, restricts 46 others

Export operators are prohibited from shipping dual-use items to the 10 firms, with China citing the need to safeguard its national security.

China plans to embed AI in consumer goods and services

Ministry of Commerce says goal is to promote AI’s entry into ‘millions of households and millions of shops’.

China vows new legal shield that could counter US sanctions and protect finance

‘We don’t stir up trouble,’ He Lifeng says as first vice-premier to attend annual Lujiazui Forum since 2019, ‘but we’re absolutely not afraid of it’.

As 618 shopping frenzy grows, Beijing warns e-commerce giants over price tactics

Officials summoned Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Douyin and RedNote over marketing practices, underscoring official concern about subsidy wars.

China’s 5-year plans significantly impact American factories: US study

A study finds that American plants in counterpart industries targeted by Beijing experience job cuts and a fall in investment.

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

Australian beef will soon be hit by 55% tariff in China, ministry says

China’s imports of Australian beef are about to surpass a quota introduced by Beijing to protect domestic farmers.

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

US investment returning? Chinese data shows double-digit growth in early 2026

Other rapidly growing sources of foreign direct investment included Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, Ministry of Commerce says.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Despite summit pledges, don’t expect US-China trade to improve

The near-term trajectory of China-US economic ties rests on several key timelines, any of which could trigger new tensions.

China confirms deal to buy US aircraft after Donald Trump’s visit

Ministry of Commerce’s statement follows US president’s comments that Beijing had agreed to buy at least 200 jets from Boeing.

Beijing invokes legal blockade against EU investigation into Nuctech

The Ministry of Commerce condemned Brussels for escalating the probe, accusing the bloc of coercing Chinese banking institutions.

Beijing urges France to respect one-China principle during high-level talks

Top diplomat Wang Yi tells visiting French senior adviser the countries should strengthen a partnership ‘free from external interference’.

China urges US to drop trade probe as key Trump-Xi summit approaches

The White House’s Section 301 investigations were launched to identify structural excess capacity among 16 trading partners, including China.

China says to ignore US sanctions even as Trump visit nears

Beijing issued an unprecedented order to ignore US sanctions just ahead of presidential summit in Beijing.

The US sanctioned Chinese oil refineries. Now China is really pushing back

Beijing has wheeled out its ‘Blocking Rules’ for the first time, ordering non-compliance with the American action.

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

Commerce ministry said Brussels would ‘bear the consequences’ after 27 mainland and Hong Kong firms were added to the latest blacklist.

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

Polish firm to replace state-backed Chinese giant as Brussels uses regulatory powers to curb what it says is market-distorting foreign aid.

China threatens EU firms over cybersecurity plans targeting Chinese companies

China’s commerce ministry warns broad retaliation is on the table if firms such as Huawei and ZTE are penalised by proposed law.

‘Eager to explore’: Chinese migrants return to Venezuela after Maduro’s capture

A large chunk of Venezuela’s Chinese community fled overseas during Maduro’s rule. Now, many are returning as they see ‘new opportunities’.

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Opinion | Despite summit pledges, don’t expect US-China trade to improve