https://www.scmp.com/rss/525413/feed “Two Sessions” refers to China's annual parliamentary meetings, where the nation's two main political bodies - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - reveal plans for China's policies involving the economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment and more. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com David Tingxuan Zhang David Tingxuan Zhang For years, China’s embattled real estate sector has been framed as a terminal drag on the economy – a deflating bubble that policymakers are unwilling to rescue but unable to ignore. That framing misses what is happening. The absence of a large bailout is not so much a sign of the leadership’s indifference as a deliberate choice. It points to something more consequential than short-term market stabilisation: a systemic effort to redesign the sector’s role in the macroeconomy. The old development... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347891/reinflate-property-sector-no-china-wants-ambitious-redesign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347891/reinflate-property-sector-no-china-wants-ambitious-redesign?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:30:07 +0000 Sylvia Ma Sylvia Ma China is ramping up efforts to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its shipping industry by 2027, targeting breakthroughs in core technologies to build a smart maritime system as global competition intensifies. A new action plan by the Ministry of Transport and three other government bodies outlined a road map that includes creating at least three comprehensive pilot zones, launching more than five trial routes, developing over 10 replicable smart-shipping use cases and deploying... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348531/china-plans-ai-powered-smart-shipping-system-2027?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348531/china-plans-ai-powered-smart-shipping-system-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:09:50 +0000 Michael Han Michael Han When it comes to Chinese policy, what section of the work report it ends up in can say more than the policy itself. At the National People’s Congress, the most significant signal was not headline-grabbing stimulus but a quiet re-categorisation. Property policies have yet again been relegated to the risk prevention section in the government work report. This shift confirms that Beijing has fundamentally reappraised the sector. For global investors, the absence of a property stimulus bazooka was a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347753/chinas-property-pivot-growth-engine-protected-household-asset?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347753/chinas-property-pivot-growth-engine-protected-household-asset?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia closely follow the annual “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies. What set them apart this year is that they also followed the endorsement of the country’s 15th five-year plan. Therefore, they have been an opportunity for Chinese leaders to engage directly with foreign officials and business leaders to explain China’s economic strategy and policies. In the past, foreigners wondered how much of a five-year... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348114/international-forums-underscore-chinas-enduring-push-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Mark Magnier Mark Magnier Beijing’s long-standing geopolitical playbook – stay in your lane, avoid military entanglement, prepare exhaustively and issue bland “win-win” statements about the UN charter and calls to talk not fight – could see China emerge favourably from the Iran war, said economists, analysts and former US officials, as the conflict enters its fourth week with little end in sight and the US barrelling ahead. “People always say that China doesn’t understand the Mideast,” said Jeremy Chan, senior analyst... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347827/why-chinas-strategy-stay-out-iran-war-working-and-crisis-may-spur-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347827/why-chinas-strategy-stay-out-iran-war-working-and-crisis-may-spur-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:00:08 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for developing the Xiongan New Area into an innovation hub to drive high-quality growth. Xi made the call on Monday during his first inspection tour of the “city of the future” following the “two sessions” annual parliamentary meetings and the launch of China’s 15th five-year plan. The state-level megacity in Hebei province, about 100km (62 miles) southwest of Beijing, is Xi’s signature project aimed at taking the urban pressure off the capital. Xi visited... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347690/xi-jinping-pushes-xiongan-embrace-science-and-technology-build-city-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347690/xi-jinping-pushes-xiongan-embrace-science-and-technology-build-city-future?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:29:46 +0000 Cui Jianchun Cui Jianchun With the conclusion of China’s parliamentary “two sessions”, the approval of the 2026 government work report and 15th five-year plan – together with the foreign minister’s press conference – has sent a clear signal of China pursuing steady and quality-driven growth while projecting a firm and timely voice on the world stage. In the work report, Premier Li Qiang noted that China’s gross domestic product grew by 5 per cent last year, surpassing 140 trillion yuan (US$20.3 trillion). This year’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347213/china-charts-new-course-hong-kong-writes-its-next-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347213/china-charts-new-course-hong-kong-writes-its-next-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:30:08 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words In a fragmented global landscape marked by fresh turmoil in the Middle East and mounting transatlantic strains, China leveraged its annual “two sessions” to project an image of stability. Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s press conference on March 8 laid out Beijing’s diplomatic... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3347258/chinas-voice-stability-one-many-are-choosing-heed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3347258/chinas-voice-stability-one-many-are-choosing-heed?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:30:09 +0000 Lizzi C. Lee,Huiyan Li Lizzi C. Lee,Huiyan Li During a press conference of the annual “two sessions”, National People’s Congress spokesperson Lou Qinjian referenced the grass-roots football league Suchao or Su Super League, which drew millions of spectators in Chinese stadiums last year. At a time when boosting domestic demand tops Beijing’s economic agenda, discussing an amateur sports tournament at the national podium goes beyond mere cultural commentary. It hints at something broader about how policymakers are approaching the consumption... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347017/china-struggles-boost-demand-no-one-size-fits-all-solution-will-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3347017/china-struggles-boost-demand-no-one-size-fits-all-solution-will-work?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:30:08 +0000 Mia Nurmamat,Ji Siqi Mia Nurmamat,Ji Siqi As Hainan pushes ahead with its free-trade port, the tropical island is emerging as a potential rival to Hong Kong’s long-standing role as a regional shopping and low-tax hub – even as both sides signal interest in closer cooperation. Since launching a separate customs regime three months ago, Hainan – now a gateway to the Chinese market – has positioned itself as a “super partner” to Hong Kong across industry chains, finance, tourism and other sectors, according to officials. “Hong Kong serves... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347323/chinas-hainan-free-trade-hub-reinvents-itself-hong-kongs-rival-and-partner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347323/chinas-hainan-free-trade-hub-reinvents-itself-hong-kongs-rival-and-partner?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:27:05 +0000 Lijia Zhang Lijia Zhang My grandmother kept her banknotes under the mattress. Even after savings accounts became common and the money my siblings and I gave her began to accumulate, she still preferred to hide cash away at home. She loved saving and hated spending. I thought of her when China’s leaders again emphasised the need to boost domestic consumption at this year’s “two sessions” meetings. With exports facing geopolitical headwinds and the property sector struggling, policymakers hope households will become a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346765/chinas-high-household-savings-reflect-old-values-and-new-anxieties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346765/chinas-high-household-savings-reflect-old-values-and-new-anxieties?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial To many unfamiliar with Chinese civilisation and history, China seems defined by uniformity rather than diversity. But the truth is that the nation is home to 56 officially recognised ethnic groups spanning vast geographic, social and economic areas. The recent passage of a new national law seeking to promote unity and progress among ethnic groups is a sensible step. With a preamble and more than 60 articles across seven chapters, the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress codifies President... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346967/chinas-ethnic-unity-law-can-foster-shared-sense-belonging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346967/chinas-ethnic-unity-law-can-foster-shared-sense-belonging?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:15:08 +0000 Jeffrey Wu Jeffrey Wu Every spring when China’s policy blueprint is released at its “two sessions”, global headlines tend to focus on its GDP growth target. This year’s target of 4.5 to 5 per cent has been interpreted as evidence that the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum under the weight of property woes, demographic decline and geopolitical tensions. However, the more consequential story is its new five-year plan (2026-2030). China’s latest economic road map suggests a deeper shift: away from a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346443/china-re-engineering-its-economy-more-complex-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346443/china-re-engineering-its-economy-more-complex-world?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:30:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu After the annual “two sessions” in Beijing, it’s clear that Hong Kong policymakers have their work cut out for them. It has been made abundantly clear what is expected of Hong Kong: stop messing around and get on with the national programme. Hong Kong is part of the nation’s plans to move forward. The country knows exactly where the city fits into the big picture, how it can catapult growth in key areas and play the role of superconnector between China and the rest of the world. The 15th... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Denis Simon Denis Simon With the conclusion of China’s annual parliamentary “two sessions” meetings, emerging policy priorities suggest its relationship with the United States is entering a new technological era. This year’s government work report set an economic growth target of 4.5 to 5 per cent and announced increased fiscal support for science and technology, including a 10 per cent funding rise for research and development and over 16 per cent for basic research. More than routine budget adjustments, these figures... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346402/two-sessions-signals-china-us-tech-contest-entering-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346402/two-sessions-signals-china-us-tech-contest-entering-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:30:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should move beyond a “city-centred” approach that merely seeks Beijing’s policy support and instead take steps to align with national priorities by advancing the internationalisation of the yuan and supporting mainland Chinese enterprises’ global expansion, observers have said as this year’s “two sessions” came to a close. With the annual political gathering ending amid the widening war in the Middle East, observers also said Beijing would expect local companies to pursue investments... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:23 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi Two prominent Chinese business leaders have pledged to double down on outbound investment – including in the Middle East and Latin America – even as geopolitical risks intensify following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran and Washington’s increasing interventions in the western hemisphere. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL, said the recent crisis in the Middle East had only a temporary impact on the company’s operations there and that the overall... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3346500/top-chinese-entrepreneurs-commit-middle-east-expansion-despite-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3346500/top-chinese-entrepreneurs-commit-middle-east-expansion-despite-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi The full implementation of taxation reforms pledged in China’s new five-year plan would substantially ease the fiscal strains on local governments, a leading tax policy expert said, while adding that it would not alter the central government’s dominant role in the country’s fiscal landscape. As a unitary state, China’s systematic advantage lay in strong central government finance that could coordinate fiscal resources in a unified manner and redistribute them through transfer payments, in... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346372/fiscal-family-adviser-says-chinas-tax-flows-should-resemble-parental-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346372/fiscal-family-adviser-says-chinas-tax-flows-should-resemble-parental-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:00:10 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Some Chinese lawmakers and advisers are pushing to secure higher pensions for elderly farmers, underscoring the persistent income disparity between the country’s urban and rural residents. The latest government work report, approved on Thursday, confirmed a 20-yuan (US$2.91) monthly increase to basic pension payments for a third consecutive year, bringing the national minimum to 163 yuan. However, some deputies from China’s top legislature contend that this level is inadequate. “A pension of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies have concluded with the passage of major resolutions. A number of things set it apart. One is the endorsement by lawmakers of the nation’s 15th five-year plan – a road map with which Hong Kong is aligning its development. The other is that despite the distractions of war in the Middle East between rival power the United States and economic partner Iran, and the roller-coaster impact on the price of oil, China’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Chinese firms should prioritise regional political stability when they make overseas investment decisions, as mounting geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations increase the risks of doing business abroad, a prominent Chinese entrepreneur has warned. “The current unrest in the Middle East, fluctuations of the US dollar and international complexities serve as a reminder for firms expanding abroad: we must go to locations that offer relative stability,” said Liu Yonghao, founder and chairman... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346370/chinese-firms-should-focus-investing-politically-stable-regions-entrepreneur?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346370/chinese-firms-should-focus-investing-politically-stable-regions-entrepreneur?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:00:08 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang China has passed a new law on ethnic unity, creating a legal framework that analysts say is designed to counter Western ideological influence and provide a statutory mandate for assimilating the country’s minority groups. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was formally endorsed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, at the end of the annual “two sessions” on Thursday. The law was adopted by a near-unanimous vote of 2,756 in favour, with just three against... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:04:06 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to align with national strategies outlined in the country’s latest five-year plan and transform the city’s “new positionings, functions and missions” assigned by Beijing into “tangible outcomes” to drive economic growth. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Thursday that he would lead the local government in fulfilling its primary responsibility to unite society in proactively aligning with the 15th five-year plan, which outlines China’s economic and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346399/hong-kongs-john-lee-pledges-align-chinas-new-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346399/hong-kongs-john-lee-pledges-align-chinas-new-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:13:26 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should step up education on Chinese history and culture while highlighting security threats to cultivate public awareness about the need to defend the country, experts have said, as the nation’s legislature is set to pass a law promoting ethnic unity. The expert’s comments came ahead of the closing session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Thursday, which is due to pass the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The law aims to forge a strong “sense of community for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Karman Lucero Karman Lucero For observers accustomed to a market economy, China’s can look like a contradiction. On the one hand, it is an unstoppable juggernaut, a manufacturing superpower with a US$1 trillion-plus trade surplus demonstrating its prowess and leverage across supply chains. China is also moving up the value chain, producing steel and widgets while also leading the world in solar panels, electric vehicles and the batteries that power them, industrial robots and more. China is even close behind or on par with... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346108/more-abundance-less-prosperity-why-2-chinas-are-emerging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346108/more-abundance-less-prosperity-why-2-chinas-are-emerging?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:30:11 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Beijing could gain a strategic edge in the Taiwan Strait as US military assets are diverted to the Middle East, even though it remains committed to peaceful reunification, a prominent mainland expert on the Taiwan issue said on Tuesday. Li Yihu, dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Peking University and a deputy to China’s National People’s Congress, said Washington’s involvement in multiple conflicts, including the ongoing war in Iran, was straining its armed forces and diminishing its... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346239/china-stands-gain-us-moving-military-assets-iran-war-cross-strait-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346239/china-stands-gain-us-moving-military-assets-iran-war-cross-strait-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:30 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s ongoing “two sessions”. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Taiwan, trade war, PLA and AI: Li Qiang lays out priorities at ‘two sessions’ China’s premier pledged to champion “orderly” multipolarism and “inclusive” globalisation at the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. 2. Xi Jinping calls on China’s provincial powerhouses to lead in tech, risk control President... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:15:08 +0000 SCMP SCMP China’s most critical annual political gathering, the “two sessions”, is particularly significant this year as Beijing unveils its 15th five-year plan, signaling how it will position itself ahead of the highly anticipated summit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump. To decode the outcomes of these meetings, the South China Morning Post and the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis (CCA) will co-host a special webinar on March 13. The panel features... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346168/webinar-two-sessions-2026-how-will-china-pivot-its-economy-under-trumps-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346168/webinar-two-sessions-2026-how-will-china-pivot-its-economy-under-trumps-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:55:43 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi Despite its heavy reliance on oil and gas imports, China’s “national strength” insulates its energy security from short-term geopolitical shocks, a prominent petroleum geologist said. Jin Zhijun, dean of the Institute of Energy at Peking University, said that China – as a large country – could ensure its energy security amid a volatile international energy trading landscape, with multiple contingency plans in place. They included tapping more domestic resources by increasing oil and gas... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346173/chinas-size-strength-insulates-its-energy-security-amid-geopolitical-shocks-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346173/chinas-size-strength-insulates-its-energy-security-amid-geopolitical-shocks-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:30:15 +0000 Amber Wang,Alcott Wei Amber Wang,Alcott Wei The Chinese defence minister has signalled strategic caution with his call for the country to “shape” a stable environment for Beijing’s broader political and diplomatic agenda, according to analysts. Dong Jun made the call on Friday during a group discussion involving military and armed police lawmakers at the country’s annual legislative gathering in Beijing. According to meeting minutes released to the media, Dong stressed four times in his fewer than 400-word remarks that the military’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346113/stability-comes-first-chinese-defence-chief-signals-beijings-strategic-caution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346113/stability-comes-first-chinese-defence-chief-signals-beijings-strategic-caution?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:32 +0000 Winston Mok Winston Mok This year’s government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang marks a shift from the perennial fixation with growth towards a greater emphasis on effective strategic development, especially social and people-centred outcomes. The “two sessions” have convened against the backdrop of Washington’s military adventure overseas. In contrast to that overextended empire, China will prevail in the competition with the United States by putting its own house in order. Some of the most consequential... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346047/chinas-refocusing-social-goals-requires-more-new-metrics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3346047/chinas-refocusing-social-goals-requires-more-new-metrics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:30:09 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang China should bring in judges from overseas and expand arbitration pilot programmes to extend the international reach of its legal system, according to a former senior justice official. Xiong Xuanguo, who was vice-minister of justice from 2016 to 2023, said China’s legal system was not integrated with others around the world, making it difficult for the country to enforce its court judgments abroad. To tackle the problem, China should train its arbitrators to meet global standards and also hire... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346003/could-foreign-judges-give-chinas-legal-system-expertise-go-global?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346003/could-foreign-judges-give-chinas-legal-system-expertise-go-global?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:00:12 +0000 Kun Tian Kun Tian China’s annual parliamentary “two sessions” have been framed as a show of resilience in a turbulent world. That framing is not wrong but it is incomplete. Beijing’s deliberately lower 2026 economic growth target is less an admission of weakness than a signal that the growth playbook is being rewritten. For Hong Kong, this is not background noise. It is a test of whether policy alignment can be converted into institutional credibility. When Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345773/why-chinas-economic-reset-credibility-test-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345773/why-chinas-economic-reset-credibility-test-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:30:07 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen China will develop a new financial law and a dedicated financial stability law this year, as Beijing works to defuse risks and prevent new ones as part of its ambition to become a financial superpower. In its work report delivered on Monday, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the country’s top legislative body, said it would also amend existing laws, including the People’s Bank of China Law and the Banking Supervision and Management Law. The work report outlined a broad... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345973/chinas-financial-superpower-ambitions-get-legal-backing-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345973/chinas-financial-superpower-ambitions-get-legal-backing-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Summit meetings between the leaders of China and the United States are keenly awaited when the world is rocked by conflict. It is good news, therefore, that a planned visit to Beijing by US President Donald Trump around the end of March apparently remains on track, despite doubts fuelled by US-Israeli air strikes on China’s economic partner Iran. Asked at a press conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress if this could affect Trump’s trip, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346009/high-level-us-china-dialogue-good-global-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346009/high-level-us-china-dialogue-good-global-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s legislature will consider establishing a dedicated mechanism to scrutinise the implementation of approved bills and funding, drawing inspiration from mainland China’s law enforcement inspection system, according to its president. Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king also dismissed concerns that the city’s first five-year plan would undermine the “one country, two systems” governing principle, emphasising the blueprint would be consistent with the capitalist system and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Ling Xin Ling Xin China should not follow SpaceX in launching artificial intelligence data centres into orbit, but instead focus on more practical near-term space-based computing, a senior researcher has said. Gao Wen, a computer scientist at Peking University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said on Thursday that electricity demand was not a major bottleneck for AI data centres in China, meaning there was little reason to move them into space. In a Sina News interview during the annual “two... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345685/china-cant-buy-elon-musks-theory-space-based-ai-centres-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3345685/china-cant-buy-elon-musks-theory-space-based-ai-centres-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:30:08 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen China will enact a law to combat cross-border corruption this year, according to the top legislature’s work report released on Monday – a move aimed at preventing corruption by companies overseas, which some experts said could shield them from foreign “long-arm jurisdiction”. The work report, submitted by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee to the fourth session of the 14th NPC for deliberation, provided no details or specific timeline for the legislation. The law is expected... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346010/china-eyes-cross-border-corruption-law-will-it-blunt-long-arm-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346010/china-eyes-cross-border-corruption-law-will-it-blunt-long-arm-west?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:30:11 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang China’s highest court says that while it handles AI-related cases with care it has allowed room for the country’s artificial intelligence industry to innovate and make mistakes, according to its annual report. Supreme People’s Court president Zhang Jun told the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative body, on Monday that the court had “promoted the orderly development of artificial intelligence” last year. Delivering the supreme court’s work report, Zhang said China’s courts... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345999/chinas-top-court-says-it-treats-ai-cases-care-without-stifling-growth-or-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345999/chinas-top-court-says-it-treats-ai-cases-care-without-stifling-growth-or-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:12:01 +0000 Ann Cao Ann Cao Representatives of China’s semiconductor industry are calling for stronger state backing in artificial intelligence chips and critical materials, aiming to fast-track core technology breakthroughs. During last week’s “two sessions” – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and advisory body – scholars and entrepreneurs in the semiconductor sector urged Beijing to leverage the nation’s advantage in strategic chip raw materials and accelerate the commercial application of AI chips to secure... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345997/chinas-chip-industry-seeks-more-state-support-ai-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345997/chinas-chip-industry-seeks-more-state-support-ai-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:12 +0000 Neil Denslow,Raymond Ma Neil Denslow,Raymond Ma Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said 2026 could be a “landmark year” in relations with the United States, allaying concerns that the war in Iran might derail ties and an expected visit by US President Donald Trump. “I believe that when the two sides treat each other with sincerity and good faith, we will be able to lengthen the list of cooperation, and shorten the list of problems,” Wang told reporters in Beijing on Sunday. The countries could “produce results that are satisfactory to both... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345967/chinas-wang-sees-landmark-year-us-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345967/chinas-wang-sees-landmark-year-us-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong China has included two pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia in the draft of its new five-year plan, raising market debate on whether the Power of Siberia 2 – a closely watched project viewed as symbolic of bilateral relations – could be on the fast track for construction. Along with language on two other pipelines, the draft said China would “advance preparatory work for the central route of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline” in the next five years, which some market observers... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345920/more-gas-russia-china-flags-new-pipeline-links-amid-iran-energy-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345920/more-gas-russia-china-flags-new-pipeline-links-amid-iran-energy-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:01:15 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, former heir apparent to Hong Kong property giant New World Development (NWD), plans to spend more time in mainland China and increase his tech investments this year, with a focus on a range of sectors from artificial intelligence to aerospace, echoing China’s latest five-year plan. “If our country can realise [the 15th five-year plan], we would be stable and secure, and our future will definitely be promising,” Cheng, who is a member of the Chinese People’s Political... https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3345918/hong-kong-tycoon-adrian-cheng-doubles-down-tech-step-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3345918/hong-kong-tycoon-adrian-cheng-doubles-down-tech-step-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:12:38 +0000 Fan Hou Fan Hou To see every province-level region’s growth target, view this Quick Digest. https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/china-economy/article/3345931/two-sessions-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:16:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The annual “two sessions” in Beijing are under way, and this year the annual ritual of reading tea leaves in this city has been made easier for politics watchers. That is because Beijing has been blunt about the problems it thinks our city faces. There is the usual praise for the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s leadership. One striking difference is that Premier Li Qiang included in his annual work report, delivered at the opening session of the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Fan Chen,Zhao Ziwen Fan Chen,Zhao Ziwen China has vowed to firmly safeguard its overseas interests – a core objective reaffirmed in its latest five-year plan – at a time when global volatility is testing supply chains and regional influence. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that Beijing would continue to strengthen its capacity to protect Chinese interests and citizens abroad, put the people first, and develop a global system for security and risk prevention. According to analysts, his remarks reflect the growing pressures on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345902/world-full-turmoil-china-stands-firm-mountain-compatriots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345902/world-full-turmoil-china-stands-firm-mountain-compatriots?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:14 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Escalating geopolitical tensions will not derail Hong Kong’s goal set out in the country’s 15th five-year plan and its efforts to implement the blueprint, former leader Leung Chun-ying has said, describing agility and adaptability as in the city’s DNA. The vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body, also said that Beijing expected Hong Kong to serve national development more proactively, calling on the city to “step forward... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345901/agility-and-adaptability-are-hong-kongs-dna-former-leader-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345901/agility-and-adaptability-are-hong-kongs-dna-former-leader-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:13 +0000 Dewey Sim Dewey Sim The United States and China could still have a “big year” in bilateral ties despite Washington’s ongoing strikes against Iran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday, suggesting a planned visit to China by US President Donald Trump remained on track. Uncertainty has been mounting over Trump’s planned meeting with President Xi Jinping – expected to start on March 31 – after US and Israeli forces last month launched major strikes on Iran, one of China’s key strategic partners and oil... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345888/trumps-china-trip-still-despite-iran-wang-yi-sees-potential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345888/trumps-china-trip-still-despite-iran-wang-yi-sees-potential?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:00:09 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged European leaders to abandon bloc politics and instead “join the gym” of the China market to build muscle and competitiveness. Speaking to the press in Beijing on Sunday, Wang characterised China-Europe economic and trade ties as complementary advantages, saying that “a dynamic balance is entirely within reach amid growing ties”. “Building fences and barriers will only lead to self-isolation,” he cautioned. “We would be happy to see our European friends... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345900/leave-protectionist-attic-join-china-market-gym-wang-yi-europe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345900/leave-protectionist-attic-join-china-market-gym-wang-yi-europe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:11:30 +0000 Shi Jiangtao Shi Jiangtao China’s top diplomat has cast his country as “an irreplaceable mainstay” amid global upheaval, rejecting any suggestion of a US-China G2 duopoly for global co-leadership as a replay of disastrous great-power rivalries. Instead, against the backdrop of the escalating Iran conflict and Washington’s renewed trade wars, Wang Yi renewed Beijing’s call for a post-hegemonic order anchored in the United Nations, advocating an “equal and orderly multipolar world” that transcended bloc confrontation and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345895/whats-wrong-g2-wang-yi-lays-out-chinas-case-against-great-power-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345895/whats-wrong-g2-wang-yi-lays-out-chinas-case-against-great-power-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:59:15 +0000