Advertisement
Advertisement
-
TOPIC

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.
illustration by Lau Ka-kuen
China jobs

From gala spectacle to job scare: Chinese workers confront the AI threat

The country’s economy – with an expansive public sector – is better positioned to withstand AI shocks, but more government support is needed.

China exports

Deals of steel: how China’s price-setting agreements are easing trade tempers

Two Sessions 2026

China’s pivot from GDP obsession sparks cadre confusion, tests local governance

5
US-China trade war

After Trump’s tariff setback, will US firms rush to stockpile Chinese goods?

Front-loading expected but not at levels seen ahead of last year’s sweeping “Liberation Day” duties, analysts say.

China’s exports soared to record highs in 2025, but those to the US fell 20 per cent for the year, according to customs data.
Banking & finance

‘Stability risk’: US faces rising concern as global debt soars to record high

Global debt accumulation ‘accelerated sharply’ in 2025, driven by surging investment in the US, China and Europe, report finds.

10
Yuan

As the yuan sizzles, China’s central bank deploys double-barrelled policy tweak

Regulators refine cross-border rules and cut the foreign exchange risk reserve ratio for forward forex sales to zero, aiming to provide stable offshore liquidity and help firms manage risks.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Two Sessions 2026

China’s February Politburo readout

SCMP Plus annotates the official report on the February meeting of China’s top decision-making body, as leaders prepare for the annual legislative meetings known as the “two sessions”.

China’s February Politburo readout
Two Sessions 2026

‘Two sessions’, Trump tariffs, JD.com earnings

This week: Lawmakers ready for China’s ‘two sessions’, Trump imposes new global tariffs, Germany’s Merz meets Xi. Next week: JD.com reports earnings, toughened trade measures kick in, manufacturing PMI comes outs, Honor debuts robot, and more.

China GDP

Chinese regions cut growth targets for 2026

Most of China’s 31 provincial-level regions have set lower economic targets for this year than for last year.

China exports

As China’s firms go global, foreign expertise is becoming a hot commodity

Chinese companies are rushing to hire a range of service contractors to help them expand overseas – from compliance experts to TikTok gurus.

videocam
Many content creators are helping Chinese manufacturers expand their reach on overseas social media platforms. Photo: EPA-EFE
Two Sessions 2026

After years of ‘at-all-costs’ growth, China wants cadres to ditch GDP obsession

Five-month campaign seen prioritising social welfare and long-term sustainability over economic expansion, with debt, fraud and vanity projects in crosshairs.

7
A child waves a Chinese flag near Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on February 19. China’s leadership is calling for local-level cadres across the country to do work that “benefits the people”. Photo: AP
Banking & finance

China adviser sees bright future for yuan payment system in emerging economies

Former ICBC chairman Chen Siqing says alternatives needed due to risk of financial weaponisation in US dollar-centric world.

videocam
China-EU relations

China-EU trade ties are at a crossroads. Could tech bridge the divide?

A hostile Washington is creating openings for a reset – but deep-seated issues remain, analyst says.

videocam
12
China travel

Why China’s travellers spent little, despite rise in Chinese New Year trips

The country logged a record 596 million domestic trips over the extended holiday, but consumers are still reluctant to loosen their purse strings.

videocam
A lion dance troupe performs for tourists during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: EPA
China-Germany relations

Merz’s China tightrope: German leader has warm words, hard questions for Beijing

German chancellor strikes diplomatic tone in Beijing meetings while pushing his hosts on subsidies, currency devaluation and Russia.

videocam
8
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China technology

China’s tech surge leaves Japan and South Korea trailing in global rankings

Propelled by strategic R&D, China’s tech prowess is now the third highest, with key sectors such as batteries and biotech showing big gains over rivals.

videocam
28
Mainland China

China’s copper crash: from investment fad to scrap in a month

A brief speculative frenzy amid skyrocketing gold and silver prices leaves some retail investors holding shiny kilogram bars they can’t sell.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
US-China trade war

US to keep China tariffs steady ahead of key Trump-Xi meeting: Greer

Trade envoy confirms levies on Chinese goods to remain within range of 35 per cent to 50 per cent depending on the product as tensions ease.

videocam
16
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has confirmed that the Trump administration will keep tariffs on China at their current level. Photo: Reuters
China trade

Trump’s USMCA exit threat seen pushing Canada into China’s arms

Analysts expect Ottawa to diversify trade as future of North American trade pact remains uncertain, while a US departure would ‘hit Canada like an earthquake’.

5
China manufacturing

A boat in every dock? Chinese billionaire unveils plan for mass yacht production

JD.com founder Richard Liu has launched a nautical brand with a massive investment in yacht production, aiming to make ownership affordable.

videocam
8
China consumption

IMF urges China to focus on consumption-led rebalancing, curb industrial policy

Global monetary body calls on Beijing to roll out more forceful fiscal stimulus to bolster domestic demand amid record trade surplus.

videocam
Customers check out at a duty-free store during the Spring Festival holiday in Haikou in Hainan province, as the IMF issues an urgent recommendation to China. Photo: Xinhua
Mainland China

Opinion | How ‘little giants’ help China defend its manufacturing dominance

Support for ‘little giants’ and other specialised SMEs remains a vital part of the long-term strategy to bolster China’s global manufacturing.

videocam
A robot by ‘little giant’ tech firm Unitree Robotics dancing at the TechShare booth during the International Robot Exhibition 2025 (iREX2025) in Tokyo, Japan, on December 3. Photo: EPA
Yuan

China’s yuan strengthens to near 3-year high as US dollar uncertainty grows

The offshore currency continues to appreciate, with official fixing also hitting its strongest level since May 2023.

China technology

Shenzhen dethrones Shanghai, Beijing as China’s top industrial powerhouse: mayor

Leading in R&D density, AI innovation and start-up cultivation, Shenzhen is building a full-stack AI ecosystem, according to the mayor’s annual work report.

videocam
4
US-China trade war

US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit

Congressional hearings reflect bipartisan concern and highlight persistent advanced tech market tension as key Trump-Xi summit looms.

videocam
23
The Trump administration wants stable relations with China but does not trust the country, a senior State Department ⁠official said. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

Commissioner calls for faster trade probes and WTO reform as Brussels confronts overcapacity, subsidies and a US$424 billion deficit.

videocam
22
Maros Sefcovic said Brussels is reviewing trade defence tools and monitoring imports of Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles. Photo: AFP
Banking & finance

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

From the yuan’s growth as a global currency to IPO funding to tokenisation, the city is a linchpin in Beijing’s ambitions.

16
China energy security

How China’s 5-year energy plan could change the way it powers its economy

Beijing will prioritise energy security through large-scale projects and greater regional self-reliance, as risks mount at home and overseas.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement