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China’s youth jobless rate has grown in recent years, with many graduates struggling to find work that matches their qualifications. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

China’s youth jobless rate edges down – but labour market strains persist

Beijing vows to prioritise job market in 2026, the first year of new five-year plan.

‘No choice’: China seen eyeing consumption as a route out of export reliance

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‘Not sustainable’: China central bank adviser flags US debt risk

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Global Economy

Chips, soybeans, tariffs: what’s on tap for US-China talks before a Trump visit?

Analysts expect any pre-summit talks to focus on deliverables such as easing semiconductor curbs and boosting agricultural sales, setting the stage for Xi and Trump.

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A discussion about stepping up trade in artificial intelligence chips may be on the cards in potential US-China talks before the next in-person meeting involving presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Photo: Shutterstock
A discussion about stepping up trade in artificial intelligence chips may be on the cards in potential US-China talks before the next in-person meeting involving presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Photo: Shutterstock

Global Economy

US losing out to China with ‘onslaught’ on cutting-edge research: Nobel laureate

America risks losing the tech race to China unless it elects a government more supportive of scientific research, Nobel-winning economist says.

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Tech War

AI shaping world’s biggest infrastructure buildout: Nvidia CEO

Each country should build their own AI system, incorporating its own language and culture into the AI models, Huang says at the WEF in Davos.

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Policy

Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

From February 1, consumer drones will be allowed to fly in designated airspace under new rules to boost the city’s low-altitude economy.

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A drone flies over The Bund in central Shanghai in the evening. Photo: Shutterstock
A drone flies over The Bund in central Shanghai in the evening. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

How China is rethinking export-led growth as global trade walls rise

Protectionism is forcing a shift towards balancing exports with outbound investment, analysts say.

Policy

Beijing outlines tech push with focus on AI, 6G, humanoid robots

Tech ministry’s plan targets breakthroughs in AI models, agents and chips, as well as AI’s spread into diverse sectors.

China Economy

China should leverage buying power to boost yuan’s use, former PBOC adviser says

With the yuan’s fixing at fresh 2023 highs and US dollar uncertainty rising under Trump, Beijing is urged to expand yuan-settled imports to internationalise its currency.

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A former adviser to China’s central bank said Beijing should leverage the nation’s purchasing power to boost imports settled in yuan. Photo: AFP

China Economy

China has tools to step up trade curbs on Japan amid tensions: Morgan Stanley

But Beijing is likely to conclude that further action would be counterproductive, according to the investment bank.

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Ties between China and Japan have deteriorated since November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made contentious remarks about Taiwan that drew a sharp response from Beijing. Photo: Reuters
Ties between China and Japan have deteriorated since November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made contentious remarks about Taiwan that drew a sharp response from Beijing. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power.

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Global Economy

China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan

Xi pushes need for full grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling.

China Business

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

A BYD Seal is displayed at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026. Photo: EPA

Global Economy

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

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Vice-Premier He Lifeng delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Vice-Premier He Lifeng delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

China Economy

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

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China Economy

China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?

Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues.

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Global Economy

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Illustration: Henry Wong

Global Economy

Chinese ‘vertical dramas’ are booming in America. Should Hollywood be worried?

Chinese platforms hosting bite-size soap operas about werewolves and mafia dons are drawing big audiences – and shaking up the streaming market.

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China Economy

As megacities slow, China’s smaller counties lead as new consumer hotspots

Survey last year found that nearly 80 per cent of consumers in China’s third- and fourth-tier cities were optimistic about the economy.

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China Economy

China rises up ‘elite quality’ league table as AI investment booms

China ranked 19th in the latest Elite Quality Index, which assesses whether national elites create sustainable value for their countries.

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Visitors watch humanoid robots fight at the Unitree Robotics booth during the World Robot Conference in Beijing. China has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging sectors in recent years. Photo: Reuters
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OPINION
Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | Why Europe struggles to stand up to Trump

Nicholas Spiro
James David Spellman

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

James David Spellman
Andy Xie

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

Andy Xie
Albert Bakhtizin

Opinion | Why the US really wants Venezuela’s oil

Albert Bakhtizin
Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Multilateral institutions’ critique of Trump’s actions is too muted

Anthony Rowley
Ningrong Liu

Opinion | China’s economy is struggling – even as its hi-tech sector booms

Ningrong Liu
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

With Maduro out, are Chinese investments in Venezuela at risk?

US move calls into question China’s future financial commitments in Latin American country, potentially hurting Beijing’s regional strategy.
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Shares in Baby Shark creator soar on IPO debut

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China’s ‘Goddess of Wealth’ jailed for over 11 years by UK court

China cryptoqueen jailed for more than 11 years by UK court over US$6.4 billion bitcoin fraud
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US-China soybean row leaves farmers caught in the middle

US-China soybean row leaves farmers caught in the middle
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TRENDING TOPICS
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Exclusive | European test pilots put China’s C919 airliner through paces in Shanghai

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