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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.
Allowing employees to sign up for social insurance where they work could have benefits for the economy as a whole, observers say. Photo: Getty Images
Mainland China

Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?

The State Council’s decision to decouple household registration from welfare services could have benefits for society as a whole, analysts say.

China manufacturing

China told the solar industry to cut capacity. Firms built new factories anyway

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China stock market

China’s property developers seek semiconductor salvation with chip side-hustles

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China-Russia relations

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Mainland China

China removes hukou hurdle for migrant workers in social insurance shake-up

Giving migrant and gig workers full social insurance access where they work is latest move to boost free flow of capital and talent.

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US-China trade war

China’s top trade negotiator urges Apec to grow economic pie, divide it fairly

At ministerial meeting in Suzhou, Li Chenggang urges representatives of 21 economies to ‘reject zero-sum thinking’.

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China consumption

HSBC cuts China retail sales forecast by nearly half on property, job pressures

Consumption is facing renewed pressure as a weak labour market and diminishing returns from subsidies cloud outlook, the bank says.

People are seen at a shopping mall in Beijing on May 2. Photo: AFP
China food security

How China and Kazakhstan plan to boost food security through trade

The agreement highlights Beijing’s push to rewire agricultural supply chains, as it seeks to reduce vulnerability in global markets.

China-EU relations

China overtakes US to become top foreign investor in Germany

Deteriorating transatlantic relationship and high energy and labour costs are making American firms think twice before moving into German market.

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Semiconductors

China’s biggest contract chipmaker clears final hurdle for US$6 billion takeover

SMNC is to become a wholly owned subsidiary of SMIC, boosting the semiconductor manufacturer’s prowess and market position.

An electronic board shows stock prices in the Lujiazui financial district of Shanghai, China. Photo: Reuters
Belt and Road Initiative

China’s new US$10.7 billion canal near completion to boost Asean trade links

The Pinglu Canal – a US$10 billion waterway connecting China’s heartlands to the Gulf of Tonkin – will begin trial operations as soon as September.

The Pinglu Canal runs through Qinzhou in China’s southern Guangxi region. Photo: Xinhua
US-China trade war

From mine to market: how China is closing critical mineral security gaps

New law coordinates control over the full supply chain as Beijing frames minerals as a national security priority.

China-Russia relations

China and Russia unite on world order, but Putin departs without concrete gains

Analysts say Beijing’s position in managing three-way ties appears to be strengthened after hosting Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

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China energy security

As Chinese supertankers cross Strait of Hormuz, is the crisis starting to ease?

Two Chinese tankers were among group of vessels transiting vital waterway on Wednesday, but was it a one-off or the start of a new trend?

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Ships and swimmers are seen in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The strategic waterway has been largely closed to traffic since the Iran war began. Photo: WANA via Reuters
United States

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

Despite historically low lay-offs, the labour market appears to be stuck in what economists call a ‘low-hire, low-fire’ state.

Workers climb down from a building during a heat advisory on Tuesday in New York. Photo: AP
China technology

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.

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China trade

Asia-Pacific trade risks loom large as Apec official warns of protectionism

China is urged to evolve as a world buyer, ahead of ministers’ gathering in Suzhou where a raft of far-reaching trade issues will be discussed.

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China's economic recovery

China’s corporate earnings lag behind stock market gains, survey finds

Equities post strong gains driven by improved market sentiment and tech optimism, though profit growth lags, a new survey shows.

Investor sentiment towards equities remains broadly positive in China, with about 63.8 per cent of respondents to a new CKGSB survey expecting A-shares to rise over the next year. Photo: Getty Images
Yuan

China’s yuan hits 3-year high as global banks issue bullish forecasts

Beijing has set the yuan at its strongest level against the US dollar since early 2023, with banks projecting further appreciation.

China trade

Ex-mayor calls for stronger yuan, tariff cuts to reduce China’s trade surplus

Huang Qifan says coordinated policies, including gradual yuan appreciation and lowering of tariffs, are needed to address trade imbalances.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

Anhui-based carmaker anticipates 27 per cent increase in foreign deliveries in 2026 as battery ranges improve and oil prices rise.

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Employees work on a factory production line for Chery’s electric vehicles in China’s Anhui province. Photo: Reuters
US-China trade war

China says US agreed to a maximum tariff rate. Could the trade war be waning?

Beijing says Washington agreed to keep future trade levies at numbers set in trade talks last year.

US President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
China exports

Japanese firms warn of ‘severe’ magnet shortages as China’s exports remain low

China’s exports of rare earth magnets to Japan recovered only modestly last month, with Japanese firms warning of ‘severe’ shortages.

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China-EU relations

Chinese investment in Europe surges to 7-year high despite rising trade tensions

But study warns that new project pipeline appears to be drying up, as Chinese investors face pressure from both Beijing and Brussels.

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Belt and Road Initiative

China’s BeiDou leads GPS, other rivals across belt and road network: report

Products and services compatible with China’s navigation system have captured 58 per cent market share in countries in the trade initiative.

A worker produces intelligent central control navigation products at BeiDou Zhilian (Jiangsu) Technology’s factory in Suqian, Jiangsu province, last month. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
China energy security

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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.

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Yuan

China’s US Treasuries slump may not be what it seems

A reduction in China’s direct holdings of US government debt may be partly offset by the nation holding Treasuries via third parties.

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