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A block with the symbol, atomic number and mass number of Gallium. Illustration: Reuters
US-China trade war

Why looming US-China trade talks could hinge on an obscure metal: gallium

China’s ban on exports of the vital metal could kick in again in November – and the US still has no realistic alternative supplier.

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China trade

China defends WTO’s ‘equal treatment’ rule – what it means for global trade

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China energy security

What would blocking the Strait of Hormuz mean for global oil and LNG shipments?

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China trade

Why more foreign medical patients are opting for ‘China speed’

The speed, efficiency and affordability of treatment in China is attracting foreign patients, but some bottlenecks need to be cleared.

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Specialists perform orthopaedic surgery using a robotic system at the Tongzhou branch of Beijing Anzhen Hospital in Beijing on February 3. Photo: Xinhua
Specialists perform orthopaedic surgery using a robotic system at the Tongzhou branch of Beijing Anzhen Hospital in Beijing on February 3. Photo: Xinhua
China consumption

Why are so many South Korean visitors flocking to China’s Guangzhou?

Safety concerns in Southeast Asia and China’s visa-free travel policy among factors fuelling boom in golf tourism.

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China's population

China and South Korea team up on a vexing issue: their fast-ageing populations

After years of tense relations, the two nations are finding common ground over their need to adapt to an era of ‘super-aged societies’.

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China consumption

China’s gold rush: why families are doubling down on precious metals

Gold is becoming more popular in China ahead of the Lunar New Year, with households viewing the asset as a safety net amid an uncertain economy.

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Decorative items made of gold are displayed at a jewellery store in Beijing on January 28. Photo: EPA-EFE
Decorative items made of gold are displayed at a jewellery store in Beijing on January 28. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

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China-EU relations

Nexperia faces 6-month inquiry as CEO Zhang’s suspension upheld by Dutch court

Investigation into firm’s governance could last six months, with one analyst warning of damage to bilateral ties.

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Yuan

‘The Trump factor’ could be luring more foreign investors to China. Here’s why

Global volatility is forcing a rethink of traditional safe havens, creating opportunities for Beijing, prominent investor says.

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US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on February 2, 2026. Photo: EPA-EFE
Banking & finance

China lets yuan rise to strongest level in years as de-dollarisation trend grows

China’s central bank sets the yuan’s midpoint rate at its strongest level since mid-2023, as jitters over the US dollar buoy the Chinese currency.

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The yuan has steadily appreciated against the US dollar in recent months amid a growing de-dollarisation trend among global investors. Photo: AFP
The yuan has steadily appreciated against the US dollar in recent months amid a growing de-dollarisation trend among global investors. Photo: AFP
China consumption

Time on happy hour as French wine and spirit sales sour in mainland China, US

French alcohol exports to mainland China and the US dropped by 19.5 and 21 per cent in 2025 as tariffs stifled global trade.

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US-China relations

As Bessent tips next US-China trade talks, analysts see Trump-Xi meeting prep

Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms preparations for high-level dialogue, with analysts expecting a focus on specific transactional wins over a relationship reset.

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Banking & finance

Indonesia turns to digital finance to reach unbanked population

With millions still lacking access to banking services, Indonesia is drawing on regional lessons and forging international partnerships.

A teller prepares rupiah bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 9, 2025. The Southeast Asian nation has one of the world’s largest populations without access to banking services. Photo: Reuters
China Conference: Southeast Asia

Indonesia eyes China partners to build ‘better than the EU standard’

Sovereign wealth fund Danantara targets waste-to-energy, smart grids, and data centres, leveraging a global tech leader for green and infrastructure growth.

A technician checks and cleans solar panels at a bus station in Depok, Indonesia. The Southeast Asian country has set its sights on cooperating with China to lower emissions and fix environmental problems while strengthening infrastructure, energy and technology developments. Photo: EPA-EFE
A technician checks and cleans solar panels at a bus station in Depok, Indonesia. The Southeast Asian country has set its sights on cooperating with China to lower emissions and fix environmental problems while strengthening infrastructure, energy and technology developments. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-EU relations

EU ‘mega tariff’: French minister urges caution amid calls for 30% China duty

Finance minister distances himself from French government agency’s proposal for blanket EU tariffs on China to stop ‘destruction’ of local industry.

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Yuan

China keen to realise ambitions for digital currency amid slow uptake

Despite record transactions last year, most users prefer alternatives – while Beijing likely to maintain gradual expansion, analysts say.

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China trade

Businesses to ‘keep doing it’ as Japan-China trade stays defiant after election

Neither side likely to want escalation in months-long dispute but near-term outlook uncertain, analysts say.

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The dispute between Beijing and Tokyo erupted on November 7, 2025, after Takaichi became the first Japanese prime minister to explicitly state that any use of force by Beijing against Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting that the country’s military could intervene. Photo: Reuters
The dispute between Beijing and Tokyo erupted on November 7, 2025, after Takaichi became the first Japanese prime minister to explicitly state that any use of force by Beijing against Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting that the country’s military could intervene. Photo: Reuters
Belt and Road Initiative

‘Time is ripe’: why China is eyeing another vast canal link to Southeast Asia

China has almost completed the US$10 billion Pinglu Canal connecting its heartlands to Southeast Asia. Now, it is mulling an even larger waterway.

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Banking & finance

As China intensifies offshore tax hunt, exporters struggle with compliance

Beijing leverages big data and global info exchange to chase undeclared overseas wealth, with fiscal needs seen driving the push, forcing compliance across sectors.

China-EU relations

Chinese sports brands set sights on European expansion at 2026 Winter Olympics

The Games have become a test case for firms seeking to raise their global profile, highlighting rising ambitions and challenges.

A model presents for Chinese brand Li Ning during the fashion week in Milan on January 16. Photo: Xinhua
China trade

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China trade

UK, China boost financial ties, deepen London’s role as offshore yuan hub

New pact designates a new yuan clearing bank, boosts cross-listings and expands green finance, accelerating the international use of China’s currency.

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China trade

China-Canada canola deal faces test as USMCA trade talks loom, insiders warn

Initial shipments bring hope, but ‘Fortress North America’ threat and lack of long-term guarantees leave producers wary of Beijing’s commitment.

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China-EU relations

Stung by Trump’s policies, German multinationals cautiously pivot towards China

German firms are keen to invest more in China as they shy away from the US, but they still face issues in the Chinese market, business group says.

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Workers assemble vehicles at a Volkswagen plant in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP
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