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Belt and Road Initiative

Belt and Road Initiative
The initiative spearheaded by the Chinese government and endorsed by President Xi Jinping in late 2013 aims to improve trade and economic integration across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
A container is lifted by a crane backdropped by the construction of the Chinese-funded mega port, in Chancay, Peru, on October 29, 2024. Photo: AP
China economy

Opinion | China’s slowing overseas investment reflects caution, not retreat

Amid rising protectionism and increased pushback in advanced economies, Beijing is strategically recalibrating its investments abroad.

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Banking & finance

FSDC urges Hong Kong to focus on Africa-Asia financial corridor

Mainland China

China close to opening US$10 billion canal linking heartlands to Southeast Asia

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China-Latin America relations

Peru’s president refuses to resign over secret meetings with Chinese businessmen

Jose Jeri is under scrutiny for clandestine encounters with Chinese businessmen that triggered a criminal probe and calls for his removal.

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Peruvian President Jose Jeri testifies before a congressional committee in Lima on Wednesday to address undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Opinion | Will Iran’s instability force China to rethink its Middle East strategy?

The assumption that domestic unrest can be treated as background noise, unlikely to disrupt energy flows, is becoming increasingly untenable.

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China economy

China ramps up Belt and Road deals amid US competition

A 75 per cent boom in China’s Belt and Road Initiative last year will help lock in resources for the energy transition and AI rush, as well as extending the country’s global reach.

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China economy

US trade war? China had bigger plans in 2025 as ‘belt and road’ deals surged

China’s global infrastructure strategy logged a record US$213 billion of new deals in 2025, as metals projects in Central Asia soared, report finds.

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Security guards patrol a lithium project in Zimbabwe. China’s engagement in metals and mining projects surged last year, according to a report by the Griffith Asia Institute. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Biden administration decision to scrap China Initiative flawed: White House

US top science adviser Michael Kratsios says ceasing programme aimed at combating economic espionage from Beijing ‘damaging’.

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China's economic recovery

China prioritises export controls, supply chains to shield economy in 2026

Commerce ministry also pledges to boost domestic demand, services and two-way investment over coming year.

US-China relations

Chip sales to China part of US plan to build its own digital silk road: official

Jacob Helberg tells Consumer Electronics Show audience that Gulf partnerships will help to stall Chinese AI advances.

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Attendees walk through the lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Centre at CES 2026, the world’s largest annual consumer electronics trade show. Photo: Reuters
Infrastructure

China plans 19% high-speed rail expansion by 2030 amid global dominance

Beijing aims to expand the nation’s entire rail network to about 180,000km as part of 2026-2030 infrastructure push, boosting connectivity nationwide.

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A high-speed train leaves the Yichang North Railway Station in China’s Hubei province on December 26. Photo: Xinhua
China-Latin America relations

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

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China-Africa relations

How Algeria could help China plug iron ore gaps and gain pricing power

The Gara Djebilet deposit in the Sahara Desert was discovered decades ago but is only now coming into production.

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China economy

Opinion | How China is cementing its central role as the architect of green tech

Beyond climate leadership and capacity building, China is rewriting its own energy system – and the global energy order.

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An aerial view of the No 1 booster station of the Ningxia Power Investment Yongli (Zhongwei) 3-megawatt photovoltaic green power project, in Shapotou district, Zhongwei city, Ningxia. It was officially connected to the grid and began power generation on October 25. Photo : Xinhua
China-Latin America relations

China pledges aid to Latin America, Caribbean with no ‘political conditions’

Third strategy paper of its kind released as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in a region Washington actively courts.

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A container ship arrives at the Port of Balboa in Panama City, Panama, on October 27. Latin America has emerged as a focal point in the competition between Washington and Beijing. Photo: EPA
Nepal

Nepal charges Chinese contractor with corruption over airport deal

A watchdog alleges the company colluded with ex-ministers to inflate costs and siphon off US$74 million from the Pokhara airport project.

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US-China relations

Why China may be better placed than US in tussle for rare earths

While Beijing has long engaged with resource-rich nations, Trump’s Washington is seen as more ‘aggressive’ and reactive.

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China-Latin America relations

Trump’s national security blueprint aims to combat China’s rise in Latin America

Framework pledges to stop competitors from threatening the stability and political alignment of neighbouring countries in the region.

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US President Donald Trump unveiled a new national security blueprint on Friday, prioritising US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Photo: EPA
China’s private sector

Deloitte say Hong Kong primed as treasury hub for China’s go-global push

As Chinese companies diversify into Southeast Asia, Latin America and belt and road markets, many are using Hong Kong as a springboard.

China trade

Explainer | From railways to Labubus: how China Inc. went on a 50-year trip abroad

Chinese companies have steadily expanded their global reach over the past half-century, but it has been a winding, often turbulent journey.

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Hong Kong economy

Editorial | ‘Partner port’ ties will help Hong Kong navigate global trade volatility

New deals with mainland Chinese and Chilean ports will enhance the city’s status as an international hub for finance, shipping and trading.

A cargo ship approaches Kwai Chung Container Terminal on April 16. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | In betting on Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong is really betting on itself

Hong Kong’s future may lie not in choosing between East and West, but in linking Asia with the Middle East and beyond.

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Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (left) visits the New Murabba Development Company under the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia with Murabba CEO Michael Dyke, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 30. Photo: Handout
Open Questions series

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel on Taiwan, the Ukraine war, China-US ties

Zhou Bo ponders Japanese PM Takaichi’s recent remarks, lessons from the Ukraine conflict and why China won’t be world’s policeman.

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Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong should consider easing visa rules for belt and road partners

Readers discuss the difficulties of securing entry to Hong Kong, investing in people’s well-being as an economic strategy, and child protection measures in Singapore.

Hong Kong politics

Egypt hopes artefact exhibition in Hong Kong will help spur trade and investment

Egyptian consul general Baher Sheweikhi says city plays pivotal role as a connector and mediator between China and North African nation.

Artefacts from the exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Photo: Sam Tsang
Africa

Africa attracts smaller EU nations scrambling for influence

Estonia and Finland are among those seeking to boost their presence on the continent, revamping diplomatic and trade ties over the past five years.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks with EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen at the G20 Leaders’ Summit plenary session in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to ‘radiate’ mainland China’s strengths to aid belt and road nations

City leader John Lee hails humanitarian efforts by CY Leung’s charity GX Foundation at opening ceremony for new headquarters in Sai Ying Pun.

Banking & finance

China’s US lending, Japan row escalates, G20 summit

This week: China lends huge sums to US and other developed nations, tourists cancel Japan trips amid Taiwan row, and the Netherlands halts seizure of chipmaker Nexperia. Next week: Li Qiang attends G20 summit in Johannesburg as US stays away, US and China may agree rare earths deal, Zhuhai air show takes place and more.

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